The voice of the infant

ABSTRACT

As part of work to develop Infant Mental Health services and systems in Scotland, the authors embarked on a project to facilitate the voices of babies and young children in our work, in the appraisal and evaluation of that work and in the design and development of our services. Our Best Practice Guidelines provide guidance on how to take account of infants’ views and rights in all encounters they may have with professionals in statutory or third sector services, or in public spaces, such as shops, libraries or galleries. The Infant Pledge details what babies and young children should expect from adults. In this paper, we will describe theoretical considerations underpinning this initiative and also place the work in the context of relevant policies and legislation, including the UNCRC.

KEYWORDS:

• Early communication
• Infant mental health
• infant voice
• infant rights
• infant participation

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all members of the Voice of the Infant Group and colleagues at Perinatal and Early Years Mental Health, Scottish Government.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Notes

1 www.parentclub.scot/wellbeing

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anne McFadyen

Anne McFadyen is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who has worked in IMH services and currently chairs the IMH Implementation and Advisory Group at the Scottish Government.

Victoria Gray Armstrong

Victoria Gray Armstrong is an art therapist who is currently studying for a PhD at Dundee University. With colleagues she delivers the Art at the Start programme to support early relationships.

Kathryn Masterson

Kathryn Masterson is a Participation Officer employed by PIMHS, working closely with SG Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Programme Board.

Beatrice Anderson

Beatrice Anderson is a consultant clinical psychologist working in the recently formed Wee Minds Matter IMH service in Glasgow.