Grant: Team Grant: Community-Based Primary Healthcare - LOI

Parents suffering from "toxic stress"--mental illness, addictions to substances of abuse, or domestic violence--are less able to respond sensitively and appropriately to meet the needs of their developing infants. Estimates range from a quarter to a third of Canadian and American 2- to 5-year olds are exposed to one of these "toxic stressors" , associated with unpredictable, neglectful or abusive parenting from their primary attachment figure. Reviews have demonstrated that toxic stress leaves a lasting biological fingerprint of damage on children's brain structure and function, sympathetic nervous system function, immunity, and mental health, placing them at risk for a host of chronic health conditions. Interventions focused on promoting caregiver-infant attachment-characterized by predictable, nurturant care--demonstrate promise in preventing toxic stress from undermining children's development and health. In January 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics produced a landmark document calling for interventions to address the effects of toxic stress. As a result, the purpose of this Team Grant is to identify, optimize, test and disseminate an innovative attachment intervention model which will be integrated into the delivery of community-based primary health care (CBPHC) to promote the healthy development of children exposed to toxic stress in Canada.