Part of a series designed to provide guidance for communities interested in building systems of care for children with emotional disturbances, this volume addresses mental health services for very young children and their families. A literature review was conducted, and four Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program sites and one community-based early childhood mental health service delivery site were visited. In nearly all cases, the promising practices increased child and family satisfaction with services: (1) supports and services are designed according to the family's strengths, needs, and preferences; (2) programs and services respect families' racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; (3) service arrays include a variety of interventions that take account of the developmental, health, and mental health needs of families; (4) community-based interventions are provided in natural environments; (5) coordinated services are provided; (6) family members are active participants at all levels of decision making; (7) effective programs address the developmental needs of children in all areas of functioning; (8) interventions are designed to promote resilience in children and build on family strengths by enhancing self-esteem, improving coping strategies, and increasing positive social support. Appendices include examples of promising practices. (Contains approximately 100 references.) (CR)