DHS lecture looks at infant mental health in the child welfare system

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- One of the most vulnerable populations in the child welfare system is infants, displaying many developmental and mental health challenges.  The March installment of the Department of Human Services (DHS) Spring Lecture Series explores an infant-centered approach to child welfare service delivery.  It also shows an emphasis on providing infant mental health interventions to this population.

The lecture will be presented by Brenda Jones-Harden, Ph.D, on Thursday, March 6 from Noon to 1 p.m. in the Oklahoma Judicial Center Auditorium, 2100 N. Lincoln in Oklahoma City.

Jones-Harden is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development, University of Maryland College Park. Her research examines the developmental and mental health needs of young children at environmental risk, and the risk and protective factors that influence their outcomes. A particular focus is preventing maladaptive outcomes in these populations through early childhood intervention programs, such as early care and education, home visitation services, and infant mental health interventions.

The Practice and Policy Lecture Series has been developed to provide thought-provoking presentations on Oklahoma's emerging policy issues, trends and best practices. The series is sponsored by the DHS Office of Planning, Research and Statistics and the University of Oklahoma Center for Public Management with the goal of providing the best educational opportunities available in a forum that offers participants an opportunity to question, share and learn from each other. 

All lectures are free and open to the public. For more information contact the Office of Planning, Research and Statistics at (405) 521-3552 or visit the Practice and Policy Lecture Series website 

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