Welcome to zfive.org! This website is intended to connect people to informationand people to peoplethe common interest 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 website 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
• 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.

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 opportunities for professionals who treat and care for very young children to learn and network.

Please give us your feedback and suggestions about this web site by emailing Sarah Hejma.