Reducing Maternal Depression and Its Impact on Young Children: Toward a Responsive Early Childhood Policy Framework

This report provides an overview of why it is important to address maternal depression as a central part of the effort to ensure that all young children enter school ready to succeed. Topics include how depression affects parenting and child outcomes, how often it occurs in combination with other parental risks, and what kinds of strategies can prevent negative consequences for parents, for their parenting, and for their young children. State and federal policy responses, recommendations, and a conclusion are also presented.