About the Center for Early Relational Health

In early 2020, a study conducted by the Center for the Study of Social Policy identified the need for a coordinated effort to advance early relational health and serve as a place of community and connection to promote the health, healing, and well-being of young children, families, providers, and communities.

While families with young children experience many wondrous moments during the critically important prenatal, perinatal, and early developmental stages, too many families face a range of challenges and barriers that can stress early  relationships. 

The Center for Early Relational Health was launched as a direct response to the urgent need to convene, support and collaborate with anyone working with or on behalf of prenatal-to-five families to promote healthy and nurturing early relationships and to disrupt systems and structures that prevent positive early relationships from taking root. 

Through the powerful partnership between Childhaven, the Washington Association of Infant Mental Health, and Children’s Home Society of Washington (now proudly operating as Akin), the Center for Early Relational Health partners with communities to create resources, tools, training, spaces for reflection and meaningful conversations, and much more, that challenge systemic inequities and embrace the unique cultural, experiential, and individual strengths we all bring to relationships. 

We are so grateful for the wisdom and creativity of all who participated in the conceptualization of the Center for Early Relational Health. The intentional, co-design process continues to be fueled by conversations and listening sessions with community partners who generously share their expertise with our team. As we evolve and refine our efforts, we are committed to partnering closely with community-based organizations, agencies, families, advocates, and providers across the ERH landscape to shape our work and existence moving forward.