From building blocks to care pathways: Working together to support timely access to infant and early mental health care

Knowledge and evidence resources, Care pathways, Implementation, Evidence-based practice, System planning, Early years, Family engagement

Published: September 18, 2023

The earliest years of life are instrumental for healthy brain development. What happens in early childhood can shape the lifelong health and well-being of individuals and their communities. Building community capacity for implementing clear, coordinated infant and early mental health service systems can help families in Ontario access the mental health support they need.

From building blocks to care pathways is a new guide for all community partners and sectors who support infant and early mental health care, such as individuals in early learning and education, public health, primary care, child and youth mental health, parents/caregivers and government. In this guide we identify the three key phases of developing a care pathway for infant and early mental health in communities and included guiding questions, helpful resources and suggested activities.