Foundations of Infant Mental Health | The Centre

Session five in the Mental Health training series, Foundations of Infant Mental Health provides practitioners with a comprehensive introduction to infant development, early relational health, and the factors shaping mental health from pregnancy to three years of age. The workshop explores typical developmental processes, attachment and neurobiology, early signs of emotional or behavioural difficulties, and the impacts of trauma, adversity, and caregiver wellbeing on infant development. Participants gain practical skills in observing infants and caregiver–infant interactions, recognising risk and protective factors, and understanding infant mental health presentations within family, cultural, and relational contexts.

This workshop is designed for practitioners working in child and family services, early years programs, family violence services, community health, out-of-home care, early childhood education, and related settings.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Distinguish typical developmental and attachment patterns from atypical or concerning presentations.
• Identify risk factors that may compromise infant mental health across relational, developmental, and environmental domains.
• Describe how trauma and adversity influence early emotional, cognitive, and relational development.
• Understand the role and value of infant observation, including behavioural cues and early communication.
• Explain the core components of an infant mental health assessment, including assessment of the child, caregiver, and relationship.
• Identify appropriate interventions, services, and referral pathways to support infant wellbeing and caregiver capacity.