National Parent-Infant Relationship (PAIR) Framework

The National Parent-Infant Relationship (PAIR) Framework will provide guidance to help implement parent-infant relationship pathways and improve provision.

A mother and father sitting on a sofa at home. The mother is holding a young infant, and both parents are smiling at her.

Background to the study

Babies need sensitive, responsive relationships to grow and develop healthily. Parent-infant relationship teams and services help strengthen relationships between babies and their parents or carers, while connecting the wider system around this support.

However, these teams and services are not available everywhere, and there is currently no national pathway or guidance. The National PAIR Framework will respond to this gap by developing best practice guidance to support parent-infant relationship pathways and improve provision.

About the study

The National PAIR Framework will build on best practice from parent-infant relationship teams and services across the UK, drawing together lived and learned experience, research, practice evidence and professional guidance.

The Framework will focus on the antenatal period through to age two, linking with relevant pathways and guidance for infants and expectant parents.

This four-year project is led by the Parent-Infant Foundation. Anna Freud is a delivery partner.