Specialised parent-infant relationship teams are like rare jewels in the mental health system

Specialised parent-infant relationship teams are like rare jewels in the mental health system Parent Infant Partnership UK has launched a report about the provision of specialised parent-infant relationship services around the UK.

Parent-Infant teams provide expertise, training, supervision and support to help local services to improve early relationships for all babies. They also provide direct therapeutic support to those who need specialist help. Research found only 27 of these teams exist in the UK. These teams have been described as ‘rare jewels’ because they are small, valuable but scarce.

The research shows that NHS Children and Young People’s Mental Health Commissioners are overlooking the needs of the youngest children. 42% of areas in England do not accept referrals for children aged two and under even though commissioners should fund services for ALL children. The statistics uncovered for this report are shocking, and should be a source of disgrace, just as it would be if CCGs were commissioning services that excluded children because of other characteristics, such as disability, race or sex.

See also:

• Charity criticises lack of parent-infant mental health teams The Guardian