Stronger, Straightforward Service and Support Provision: A New Methodological Approach to Infant and Early Mental Health Care Pathway Creation Through Multisectoral Collaboration

Background: Early childhood plays a pivotal role in shaping positive mental health outcomes, yet navigating the path to appropriate services in Ontario is often hindered by fragmented systems, lack of collaboration, and unclear pathways to care. The Infant and Early Mental Health (IEMH) Care Pathways Initiative addresses the critical need for accessible and comprehensive mental health support for at-risk children under the age of 6 in Ontario. This paper outlines the IEMH Care Pathways methodology to develop and implement systems of care pathways that lead families with children 0-6 to, through, and out of care. Methods: The IEMH Care Pathways Initiative employs a 5-phased approach: 1) Community Engagement, 2) Service Mapping and Inventory Assessment, 3) Aspirational Pathway Building, 4) Ages and Stages Questionnaire and Developmental Support Plan Training and Implementation, and 5) Aspirational Pathway Implementation. Evaluation throughout the process is informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Conclusions: The IEMH Care Pathways methodology represents a significant step forward in promoting positive mental health outcomes and overall well-being for children before they reach school age. By prioritizing the science of brain development, early developmental delay identification, and access to timely and appropriate support services, the process presented aims to mitigate the risk of adverse outcomes and increase opportunities for positive developmental trajectories. Continued efforts to refine and expand upon the methodology outlined in this paper are underway. Through collaborative partnerships and equitable access to care, a more cohesive and effective system to ensure healthier communities can be created.