Westside Infant-Family Network

Founded in 2006, the Westside Infant-Family Network assists families with young children facing mental health issues exacerbated by poverty, homelessness, recent immigration, violence, and/or substance abuse. Its shared purpose is to ensure that infants to three-year-olds receive culturally sensitive emotional and developmental care and services to become securely attached, resilient, and productive adults. Partner agencies include Westside Children’s Center, St. Joseph Center, Venice Family Clinic, Westside Family Health Center, Infant & Family Support Program, and Mar Vista Family Center. Three tiers of service are offered at no cost: (1) Case managers identify and refer families to basic services such as childcare or housing; (2) Bilingual, bicultural therapists provide in-home dyadic therapy; and (3) Families access psychiatric services and medication if needed. A study by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation identified WIN as one of eight exemplary place-based programs in the nation serving young children.