For professional development: for the continuing education of mental health professionals, medical residents, pediatricians and teachers

As a supportive adjunct to medical treatment: for families with children born with complex medical issues -home or hospital observation, short and long term

As a supportive adjunct to psychotherapy: for children with complex medical and psychological challenges 

What does the family gain from the experience?

During the visits the observer does not offer advice or comments so as not to interfere with the developing family's ongoing life. However the observer's presence is most often experienced as friendly and supportive. This is evidenced by the fact that well over 90% of the families participate through the first year.

What does the observer gain from the experience?

The family provides the observer with the unique opportunity to follow one baby's beginnings "step by step". It exposes the observer both to the complexity and to the diversity of everyday family life.

What does the family do during the observation?

The family carries on its normal routines and the observer simply watches the baby in his/her everyday development and life within the family. At first this may seem unusual but most often, the family quickly adjusts to the presence of the observer.

How does an observer find a family willing to be observed?

The observer contacts medical professionals, nursery school teachers or parent-infant specialists who have contact with parents expecting a baby. When a family expresses interest the observer arranges an initial visit in their home preferably before the baby is born. This gives the parents the opportunity to ask any questions and to decide if they would be willing to participate in the program.

How does an observation begin and end?

Once a family expresses interest the observer makes contact and arranges an initial visit ideally with both parents present. If the family agrees to proceed then one or more additional pre-birth meetings may take place. This is particularly of interest in families where there are siblings. The family then contacts the observer as soon after the birth as is comfortable for the family. Weekly visits are then arranged during a time when at least one of the parents is at home. The observations last from one to three years mostly depending on the family's interest. It is understood by both the family and the observer that the family may choose to end the observation at any time.

Issues of Confidentiality

Confidentiality regarding the identity of the family is strictly maintained. All observers are licensed health care professionals. Information gained in infant observation is not used for any other purposes (e.g., publication, training) without written parental consent and the approval of a Tavistock supervisor.