Dealing with mental health in infancy as a specific clinical modality is relatively recent.' Preventive programs during infancy were mainly directed to promote cognitive development. Indeed, the review o n prevention by Murphy and Frank2 indicated that there are scarcely any pmg r a m s directed specifically to improve mental health in infancy. This paper wiU describe a preventive program, conducted by the author, aimed specifically towards mental health aspects in infancy. It began in child guidance services i n Jerusalem in 1977.
INFANT GUIDANCE SER VICES IN ISRAEL
In Israel, infant guidance services have always been the concern of the state. Every infant is entitled to this service without charge. Before the establishment of the state the service was organized by various agencies: municipalities, health or women's organizations, most of whom are still involved to a lesser degree. However, after 1948 the main responsibility for the provision of this service all over the country has been taken over by the Ministry of Health.
When it started, the service, called "Tipat Halav" (a drop of milk), was directed mainly to guide mothers in everyday physical and nutritional care of infants. Lately it has been extended to include cognitive and socidernotional aspects. This content expansion resulted in a parallel extension in scope which now includes the mother as well as her child. This service is provided in centers located in each community and is organized by nurses who are responsible for the regular contact with the infants and their families. The nurses receive information from the hospitals about all newborns in the area for which they are responsible. Most of the care is provided at the centers, but the nurses also make house calls. Regular attendance by pediatricians and gynecologists at the centers enable infants and pregnant women to receive medical care. This service renam-Rivka Landau is affiliated with the Depaitment for Behavioral Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheva, Israel. Reprints requests should be directed to Dr. Landau at that address.