September 13, 2024 • Children's Trust News

Partnering with the Department of Mental Health to Better Support Families and Staff

Last fall, the Children's Trust and the MA Department of Mental Health joined forces to launch an impactful training initiative to enhance the capacity of infant and early childhood providers to support families across Massachusetts. With funding from the Department of Mental Health, this partnership equips professionals with helpful tools and knowledge to better serve families, leading to stronger, more resilient communities.

In March 2024, the initiative began with the first cohort of 30 participants from eight different agencies across the state. These professionals, including mental health clinicians, case managers, and early childhood consultants, participated in a 12-hour virtual FAN (Facilitating Attuned Interactions) Training. The program is designed to help them better understand and respond to the needs of the families they work with, ensuring that their approach is both empathetic and effective. Supervisors also participated, emphasizing the importance of a supportive, integrated approach.

I had a wonderful time. It felt like there is a natural way to add this [to our work] and fine-tune our engagement with parents.
- Training Attendee

Four Mindful Self-Regulation Strategies (MSR) discussed at the training.

Following the initial training, supervisors receive ongoing support through monthly mentoring calls, helping them apply what they've learned in their daily work. This support underscores our commitment to not just train but to ensure that these skills are deeply integrated into practice.

A second group of 30 participants from six additional agencies began their training in May 2024. Due to the success of these cohorts and the demand for the training among staff, funding has been expanded for fiscal year 2025 to include four additional training groups. This ongoing expansion highlights the strong demand for this type of training across various sectors, from mental health services to family support and housing programs.

Through this collaboration, the Children’s Trust and the Department of Mental Health are making a lasting impact on the lives of families with young children across Massachusetts, ensuring that professionals are well-prepared to meet their needs with compassion and skill.