Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC) and MassAIMH are working together in a collaborative partnership to establish, strengthen, and expand the diverse infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) workforce through implementation of the Michigan Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement® System.
A robust, diverse, well-trained, and interdisciplinary workforce, dedicated to striving for social justice, is central to ensuring that all children in the Commonwealth have equitable access to infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) supports and services that can help to not only mitigate negative impacts of adverse childhood experiences, but also support thriving social emotional wellness of our youngest in the state . The current IECMH workforce must be expanded and supported in order to meet this need.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY
The collaborative partnership is committed to addressing the barriers that perpetuate low rates of behavioral healthcare access among low income individuals, immigrants, and families of color and the resulting health and educational disparities, including disproportionately high rates of suspension and expulsion of children of color. Utilizing the Diversity-Informed Tenets for Work with Infants, Children, and Families framework from the Irving Harris Foundation, we commit to center, maintain and embody in all processes and implementation our joint commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion. We will strongly promote diversity within the workforce and support the use of culturally-responsive practices by professionals.
