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

8Implications for policy and practiceEarly identification and assessmentGrowing up with parental mental illness, learning disability, substance misuseor domestic violence will have an impact on individual children differently;children’s needs vary. While some cope well, others will benefit from advice,assistance and counselling. For a minority who experience a multitude ofbehavioural and emotional difficulties, intensive therapeutic intervention willbe necessary to overcome the traumatic effect of parental disorders. Identifyingchildren who would benefit from support may be difficult because childrenare ashamed of their circumstances and wish to keep the family problemssecret, or are frightened of the consequences of revealing information abouttheir family. As a result, some children may not have their needs for basiccare, love and affection from their parents or carers adequately met and areleft in dangerous and abusive situations.It is important to provide children and young people with opportunities todiscuss their concerns and worries with adults whom they trust. ChildLine(a well-established organisation) has helped many children talk aboutabuse and neglect and, more recently, bullying. However, this method ofcommunication may not suit all children and young people, and schools andother community services working with children should consider providingan identified worker with the necessary skills to listen to what children sayin a non-judgemental way, and act appropriately. Targeted youth support,including youth mentors and befriending schemes, can also provide muchneededhelp.Insufficient understanding and information about the impact of theseparental issues on children may result in professionals either unconsciouslynot seeing the child’s problems (because they are not sure what to do if they doacknowledge them) or, if they are aware of the child’s problems, referring themdirectly to children’s social care. In many cases what the child needs is for thatprofessional, be it a teacher, health worker or youth worker, to take an interestin the child and provide a listening and caring ear. Resources for practitionerscontinue to be developed (see for example www.alcoholandfamilies.org.uk/toolkits.htm).Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people iseveryone’s responsibility (HM Government 2010a). Collaborative working