Vereinigtes Königreich übernimmt US-Interventionsmodell für die psychische Gesundheit von Kleinkindern

Recent research highlights the detrimental effects of maltreatment during infancy, particularly for children in foster or kinship care. To address these issues, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) in the United Kingdom has adapted the New Orleans Intervention Model (NIM) to improve outcomes for infants under five years old in care settings. This initiative emphasizes the integration of mental health assessments with permanency decision processes, ensuring that children’s needs are prioritized during critical decision-making phases.

The NSPCC has implemented this model through its Infant and Family Teams in Glasgow and London. Initial findings from the Best Services Randomized Controlled Trial (BeST?) suggest that the NIM approach, which focuses on multisystemic and relationship-based interventions, has shown promise in improving the mental health of infants. The results of the BeST? study will be published in a separate report, but preliminary data indicate positive trends in clinical effectiveness and cost efficiency.

In Glasgow and London, multidisciplinary teams have been established, consisting of mental health professionals, social workers, and other specialists, to support the recovery of infants facing challenges related to maltreatment. These teams have made recommendations to local legal and decision-making systems, striving to enhance the support available to children in care.

Challenges have arisen during the translation of the NIM model to the UK context. Variations in local decision-making processes have affected access to services and the timelines for permanency decisions. For instance, while Glasgow teams reported smoother coordination with local agencies, London teams faced bureaucratic hurdles that delayed intervention. These discrepancies highlight the need for tailored approaches that consider regional differences in policy and practice.

Audit data reveal that infants receiving support from these teams progress through the service stages at different rates, with Glasgow experiencing shorter wait times when compared to London. Interventions offered include therapeutic support for both infants and their caregivers, focusing on building secure attachments and addressing trauma.

The implementation of this model could influence future policies regarding infant mental health and permanency planning in the UK. The NSPCC’s experience underscores the importance of creating integrated services that align mental health support with child welfare decisions, ultimately aiming to improve long-term outcomes for vulnerable infants. The findings from this transatlantic shift may serve as a framework for other countries looking to enhance their infant mental health interventions.