Supporting the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health: A Critical Step for Virginia’s Youngest Children

At Voices for Virginia’s Children, we are committed to advocating for policies that protect and promote the well-being of Virginia’s youth. HB 1760, the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Act, represents a vital step in supporting the mental health of young children and families across the commonwealth. This bill addresses a growing need to provide mental health support for children ages five and under, a period in life that is foundational for lifelong health, development, and well-being. 

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) is considered the foundation of healthy development across the lifespan, especially when grounded in racial, cultural, and linguistic identity. IECMH programs are rooted in cultural-responsiveness and community care and are holistic, preventative approaches to meeting the mental health needs of young people. 

Why We Support HB 1760 
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall child development, yet it is often overlooked, especially in young children. Studies have shown that one in five children experience a mental health disorder before the age of 18, with many of these conditions originating early in life. This is why early intervention is so critical. The first five years of life are a time of rapid brain development, and the experiences children have during this period—both positive and negative—can shape their mental health for the rest of their lives. 

Infancy and early childhood are times of significant resilience but also significant vulnerability. According to the CDC, between 10-16% of young children experience mental health conditions including PTSD and anxiety – compounded by social and personal factors that exacerbate Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). It is imperative that we do not leave our youngest citizens behind. IECMH programs and policies hold both vulnerability and resilience in balance. This time of life is critical for us humans in building capacity to form close and secure relationships, learn to tap into our full range of emotions, and grow our curiosity in exploring the world – according to Mental Health America, these are the three characteristics of a flourishing youth.  

HB 1760 acknowledges this reality by establishing a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to addressing the mental health needs of young children. This bill directs the Virginia Department of Health, in collaboration with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Department of Education, to create a range of initiatives aimed at promoting mental health in early childhood settings. Specifically, the bill proposes several key programs and services: 

1. Mental Health Consultation Program: By providing consultation services for early childhood education providers, health care providers, and families, this program will ensure that professionals working with young children have the resources and expertise they need to support mental health and address potential concerns early on. 

2. Mandatory Training Programs: The bill proposes that early childhood educators, child care providers, and pediatric health care providers receive mandatory training on mental health. This ensures that these professionals are equipped with the knowledge to identify and address mental health concerns, ultimately improving outcomes for children and families. Training would be required to maintain licensure, ensuring that these professionals stay up to date with best practices in child mental health. 

3. Parent Education Programs: The bill calls for the creation of accessible programs to educate parents about early childhood development and mental health. By equipping parents with the knowledge and tools they need, we can help prevent mental health challenges before they arise and provide families with the support they need to nurture healthy development. 

4. Evidence-Based Home Visiting Program: For at-risk families, an evidence-based home visiting program will provide direct support and education on early childhood development. This is particularly important for families who face challenges such as poverty, housing instability, or other risk factors that can affect a child’s mental health. 

5. Annual Data Collection and Reporting: HB 1760 also requires the Department of Health to collect data on these programs and report annually to the General Assembly. This will allow for continuous evaluation of the programs’ effectiveness and ensure that the services provided are meeting the needs of children and families. 

The Need for HB 1760 in Virginia 
Virginia, like many states, faces significant challenges when it comes to addressing the mental health needs of young children. According to the Virginia Health Care Foundation, nearly 1 in 5 children in Virginia experience mental health issues, but fewer than 20% of those children receive the mental health care they need. Additionally, early childhood educators often report feeling unprepared to handle mental health issues in the classroom, and parents often lack the support and resources they need to address their child’s emotional and behavioral challenges. 

According to the Virginia Association of Infant Mental Health, children under 6 years old have the same rates of mental illness as older children (14-20%). These needs are largely unmet and are impacted by several systemic factors such as economic insecurity and maternal mental health care and access. Children from underserved communities, including those in low-income households, communities of color, and rural areas, are disproportionately affected by these challenges.

These families often have limited access to mental health resources, making early intervention even more critical. The holistic approach of the IECMH Act in HB 1760 ensures these systemic factors are not barriers to meeting the needs of our youngest community members and their families. 

By implementing the programs outlined in HB 1760, Virginia will be taking a significant step toward ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the mental health support they need during these critical early years. 

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Take Action 
We encourage you to learn more about HB 1760 and get involved in advocating for its passage.  Send lawmakers an email asking for their support

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