THE PSYCHIATRIC INFANT-FAMILY WARD AT TAMPERE-UNIVERSITY-HOSPITAL

This article describes a new integrated evaluation and intervention pr ogram for infants, small children and their families, a child psychiat ric infant-family ward treatment model at Tampere University Hospital. A centerpiece of the model is a 3-week treatment period for the whole family at the infant-family day ward. The work of the multidisciplina ry team on the ward focuses on family relationships, on representation al level, and on the interactional behavior of the family. Interaction and relationships are used as tools, including a reflective working m odel and sharing concrete interaction with the family. Theoretically, the treatment is based on an integrative model where psychoanalytical and systems theories as well as a behavioral approach are applied in d efining the strengths and problems of the family and of the infant and in choosing the best intervention techniques. The fact that the whole family is present at the ward creates a strong therapeutic holding re lationship context and an open therapeutic reflection, which are the c ornerstones of this new and encouraging treatment model.