Welcome to zfive.org! This new web site is intended to connect people to information - and people to people - with the common thread being a shared concern about the social and emotional health and development of young children ages birth through five.

"Infant mental health," as this field is frequently called, is a relatively new area of concern. This web site is one small step toward improving awareness and knowledge on the part of families, professionals treating and caring for very young children and the public about "infant mental health" -- so that, working together, Mecklenburg County, NC, can become a place where:

• There is a high quality, integrated and easily accessible array of services and supports to meet the needs of young children 0-5 with mental health issues and their families in
• Families, child-serving agencies and health care providers who are well-informed about: supporting healthy social and emotional development, supporting family relationships, and preventing and treating infant/early childhood mental health issues.*

* Infant Mental Health Working Group Vision Statement, April 2008

The purpose of this web site is to:

• Reduce the stigma associated with infant mental health issues
• Help parents become more knowledgeable about the social and emotional development of young children and where to get help
• Provide a way for parents to connect with each other
• Provide opportunities for professionals who treat and care for very young children to learn from and network with each other

Please give us your feedback and suggestions about this web site by emailing Katie Ellis.