Children's Needs – Parenting Capacity - Digital Education Resource ...

134 Children’s Needs – Parenting Capacityrelatives frequently provide much valuable practical support including looking afterthe children.The children should not have any unsupervised contact with their maternalgrandfather due to a history of sexual abuse. Mum has allowed her father andJade’s step father to influence her, allowing Jade to have contact with them. Mumis confused by her feelings for her father who abused her in the past.(Social worker’s notes, from unpublished material for Cleaver andNicholson 2007)In addition, some mothers with learning disabilities may be targeted by men whowish to gain sexual access to the children.To sum upKey problems for children aged 3–4 years Physical needs may be neglected. For example, children may be notadequately fed or kept clean. Risk of direct physical violence may be increased. Cognitive development and learning may be delayed because fear andanxiety prevents children from exploring their environment. Cognitive and language development may also suffer due to a lack ofstimulation and encouragement; and parental disorganisation may meanchildren fail to regularly attend pre-school facilities. Trauma and stress may result in children regressing in their behavioural andemotional development. Attachment relationships may be insecure due to inconsistent parenting. Inappropriate behavioural responses may be learnt through witnessingdomestic violence. When parents’ behaviour is unpredictable and frightening, children maydisplay emotional symptoms similar to those of post-traumatic stressdisorder. Children may assume responsibilities beyond their years because of parentalincapacity. Children could be left in the care of unsuitable and unsafe people, includingrelatives.