How to build efficient and sustainable community networks for new families

This presentation will explain the process that is essential to establish successful community based social support networks. There are many different cultures in our world but they all include families, parents and children. Community support networks are designed to strengthen them. They act as a safety net for new families. Families need and deserve supportive communities to bond with their peers as well as reach out to professional services. Over the decades, studies consistently show that for good health and emotional well-being we need each other. We know that social interactions are needed for optimum physical and mental health. The baby and the parents will build lasting friendships, strong personal relationships, and social ties in a community that offers this opportunity. This talk provides the history and background of the maternal mental health social support movement. The definition of a parent support network is broad and there are many examples of successful networks. In general, networks are collaborations of agencies, consumers, and professionals which provide social support, information, education, resources, and referrals. To build this network a framework format is required. A format that consists of six major stages and many steps will be explained in this presentation. This pragmatic approach encourages individuals to create a team of community stakeholders. The group will brainstorm, investigate community gaps in services, make plans, initiate implementation, evaluate, and make long range plans for the future. It is crucial to create a structure that will be efficient, produce measurable outcomes, and be sustained. The common bond among the organizers is the commitment to assist new families. Pregnancy and the postpartum period are optimum times to assess for psychosocial issues, build trusting relationships, and speak frankly about the risk factors of maternal mental illness. It is possible to confront the stigma and myths surrounding mental illness and parenthood by building efficient and sustainable community support for new families.