Oregon Infant Mental Health Association

Who are we?

235 professionals from all different fields

Healthy families Supervisors and

managers Classroom staff Mental health

Home visitors Early

intervention Relief nurseries Early head starts

What are we about?

ORIMHA’s vision: All Our Babies Held in Mind

ORIMHA’s mission:

We are a state wide network of parents and professionals developed to support the emotional health and well-being of all Oregon's infants, toddlers and their families.

Something is coming; let’s peek

Infant Mental Health

Endorsement

A resource

to validate and celebrate what we already know and

to identify our next steps for growth

as professionals dedicated to theemotional well-being of young

childrenand their families

Endorsement is for folks at all stages of their career

8

Level I Level II Level III Level IV

Infant Family Associate Infant Family Specialist Infant Mental Health Specialist

Infant Mental Health Mentor

AA, CDA BA, BS, MA, MSW, MEd MA, PA, MPH, MSW, MD, BSN, JD, PhD, MA

Clinical, Policy, Research/Faculty

 

MEDICAL: Practitioners who serve infant/toddlers, Child birth educators, Doulas / Midwives, NICU staff, Nurses, Infant massage practitioners, Lactation specialists, Nutritionists, Dieticians 

MENTAL HEALTH: Clinical therapists, Mental health consultants, MH Specialists, Social Workers 

HOME VISITING: Home Visiting programs serving pregnant mothers, infants, and toddlers; Community Health Workers; Public Health/ELD; Promatoras, Doulas; Navigators; Health Educators, Nurse home visitors, Lactation specialists

PARENT SUPPORTS PEER MENTORING: Family to Family, Wrap-Around Initiative, Parent Educators, Family Advocates 

EARLY INTERVENTION: Speech therapists, Occupational therapists, Physical therapists, Education/ Behavioral specialists 

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: Child Care and Education practitioners who serve infants and toddlers 

PUBLIC HEALTH: Women Infants and Children staff, Nutritionists, Dieticians, Maternal Child Health Nurses 

LAW: Policy Makers, Legislators, Judicial, Law enforcement, Guardian ad litems, First responders, Advocates 

CHILD WELFARE: Self-sufficiency caseworkers, Foster parents, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Child Abuse Prevention

Endorsement is not a one-time thing

As you learn and progress in your career, you can move up levels in endorsement.

After endorsement, there is a required 15 hours of continuing education per year and reflective supervision.

Endorsement is not a license to practice any professional skill; it is a recognition of your IMH knowledge, skill and wisdom.

Endorsement is recognized in other states if you move.

Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health States & Nations Licensed to use the MI-AIMH Competencies® & Endorsement®

WA

OR ID

AZ

AK

CO

NM

TX

MNWI

MIIA

KS

OK

IN WV

VA

RI

CT

NJ

NY

MA

HI FLW. Australia

• Alliance/League Member (22)

• Confirmed Member (1)

• Considering (1)• Competencies-Only

(1)

Endorsement process Identification of endorsement level appropriate for applicant

4 levels; minimum requirement 2 years college or a CDA

Submission of portfolio documenting education, training and work experience matched with IMH core competencies

Competencies span basic IMH knowledge, direct service skills, IMH system of care, laws & regulations, working/communicating with others, analyzing information and reflection

Extent of requirements within each category dependent on what level is being applied for

Reflective supervision

Examination (levels 3 and 4 only)

Require annual renewal and documentation of continuing education

Speakers

Sandy Jaecksch – endorsed at level IV

Michelle Strocyzk – applying for Level II endorsement through WA-AIMH

What it means to professionals

Surveys of Endorsed professionals in Michigan and Colorado (Project Launch)

When asked how Endorsement® has changed view/perception of infant mental health:

“I have a better understanding of the importance of this work.”

“[I am] well-prepared for work with families.”

“I obtained more relevant training and supervision than I would have otherwise.”

“The time spent preparing my application helped increase my understanding of IMH work.”

“The material for the exam deepened my understanding.”

“Increased my credibility.”

“From some of the trainings I received-- a shift in my focus. I had more knowledge about infants and their development, their social-emotional development, infant mental health and attachment.”

What professionals say about benefits of Endorsement® to families

“I think it maximizes my capacity to be fully present with them.”

“I’m a more ‘well-rounded’ clinician due to requirements for reflective supervision and continuing education.

“My knowledge/studies make me a better therapist.”

“I am a better advocate in court.” “Increased breadth of knowledge and

treatment approaches.”

Next steps?

With financial support from the Oregon Health Authority, the plan is for ORIMHA to purchase the IMH endorsement system from the Michigan Infant Mental Heath Association (MI-AIMH) this fall.

Roll out of endorsement to occur in 2016.

Today’s trainings count toward endorsement competencies (listed on the registration flyer).

What you can do to prepare – start gathering information on IMH workshops you have attended anytime in your career from your own records, employer records, certifying or licensing authorities.

Look at www.mi-aimh.org/endorsement for more information.

ORIMHA will send out updates to its members and other interested parties.