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Mental health prevention and treatment programs for infants experiencing homelessness: A systematic review.

Megan M HareTaylor D LandisMelissa HernandezPaulo A Graziano
Published in: Evidence-based practice in child and adolescent mental health (2023)
Experiencing homelessness in infancy has been linked to negative physical and mental health outcomes. Parental well-being and the parent-infant relationship can also be negatively impacted by experiencing homelessness. While numerous parent-based infant mental health programs have been identified by a recent review, the goal of this study was to further determine the extent to which these existing programs were developed and/or examined with at-risk populations such as families experiencing homelessness. Out of 60 programs identified by Hare et al., in press, only three had been implemented specifically in shelter settings with infants 0-12 months (Parent-Infant Psychotherapy, New Beginnings, and My Baby's First Teacher). Additionally, when examining programs that began in later infancy (after 12 months), only 2 programs were implemented in shelter settings (Incredible Years and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy). Implications for research, policy, and clinicians regarding implementation of evidence-based prevention/treatment programs for parents and their infants experiencing homelessness are discussed.
Keyphrases
  • mental health
  • mental illness
  • public health
  • healthcare
  • primary care
  • physical activity
  • palliative care
  • stem cells
  • weight gain
  • body mass index