A Statement from the Kansas Association for Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health.

(KAIMH) inspired by the Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health
As part of the global infant/early childhood mental health community, we are committed to deepening conversation and promoting reflection and action to address ongoing bias, structural racism, and racial violence that impacts the health and wellbeing of black, indigenous and people of color, babies, young children and their families.

The KAIMH Board of Directors is committed to anti-racism. We believe in the power of relationships to raise a collective voice against racism. We stand in solidarity with black, indigenous, and communities of color across the nation and the world and commit ourselves to mitigating the chronic trauma that racism has had on generations of children that are black, indigenous, and of color, their families, and the infant/early childhood workforce.

We hold in mind parents and caregivers of color who are tasked with protecting and creating a safe space for their babies while also managing their own emotions, as we also hold in mind the infant/early childhood mental health workforce of color who strive to hold and comfort families while managing their own emotions.

We believe that change and healing starts with each one of us. We must intentionally examine the ways we contribute to the continuation of dismantling of racial trauma and structural oppression. KAIMH is committed to ongoing growth and strategies that promote racial equity and highlight joy, healing, and liberation. To this end, KAIMH has created a Race and Social Justice Committee that is developing ongoing action steps to address systemic racism and white supremacy within the early childhood mental health field.

Planned action steps include:

• Share racial equity resources with KAIMH’s membership
• Provide racial equity professional development opportunities
• Increase knowledge and skills of mental health service providers
• Engage community partners in anti-racist growth
• Create opportunities for reflection and discussion

We must respond with purpose and action. Our babies can’t wait.

With love and hope,

KAIMH Board of Directors, Staff and Committee