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Parents with a mental health problem: learning from case reviews

Summary of risk factors and learning for improved practice around parental mental health and child welfare

Publication date April 2023

Parental mental health problems are not in themselves a child safeguarding concern. However, case reviews show that without the right support a parent with poor mental health can sometimes struggle to provide safe and loving care for their child.

The learning from case reviews highlights that professionals from adult and children’s services need to work together to safeguard children when there are signs that a parent’s mental ill-health is impacting their ability to look after their child.

This briefing is based on case reviews published between 2016 and 2022, where the mental health problems of parents were a key factor.

Parents with a mental health problem: learning from case reviews
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Browse our full series of learning from case reviews briefings

Our series of thematic briefings highlight the learning from case reviews conducted when a child dies, or is seriously harmed, as a result of abuse or neglect. Each briefing focuses on a different topic or learning for specific sectors, pulling together key risk factors and practice recommendations.

 

> See the full series

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Looking for more research and resources?

Our Library and Information Service provides quick and easy access to the latest information, research and resources on child abuse, child neglect and child protection to help you keep children and young people safe. Find out more