Infant mental health is foundational to safe and effective family contact, yet signs of infant stress can be subtle and easily overlooked. This session will help facilitators identify the cues infants use to communicate overwhelm, distress, or dysregulation during interactions with caregivers. Participants will learn about variations in attachment behaviors, how insecure attachment may influence infants’ reactions during reunification, and how to support both infants and caregivers when distress arises. Key takeaways include: • Recognizing infant cues such as gaze aversion, crying patterns, posture shifts, and disengagement • Understanding how early attachment experiences influence infant responses during contact • Strategies facilitators can use to soothe infants and guide caregivers in responding sensitively • Ways to set up contact environments that reduce infant stress Presenter: Laura River, PhD — Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor, University of Denver; Director of the Caring for You and Baby (CUB) Clinic. Attend virtually or in-person at the Mat-Su Health Foundation Building!