New report shows public support for action to strengthen parent-infant relationships

On the first day of Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2022, the Parent-Infant Foundation has launched findings from new research with the public and professionals. This included a survey with a representative sample of 2000 adults from across the UK, and work with teachers and early years professionals. 

The research shows that:

• 97% of professionals and 75% of the public recognise that early relationships are “very important”.
• 84% of the public agreed or agreed strongly that health services should offer support to families with issues in early parent-infant relationships.
• 84% of professionals disagree or strongly disagree that the UK Government does enough to protect children from trauma and its impact.
• 67% of professionals disagree that public services in their area do enough to support young children who have been exposed to trauma.

The survey results also underline the impact of the lack of services for very young children, including gaps in mental health services and health visiting services.

The report sets out the case for more specialised parent-infant relationship teams around the UK to strengthen and repair early relationships between parents and their babies when these are at risk. It also calls for wider across-Government action to reduce and address trauma and adversity, and to strengthen parent-infant relationships.

You can read the full report here.

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