Hedy Cleaver Libri

This second edition of 'Children's Needs - Parenting Capacity' provides an update on the impact of parental problems, such as substance misuse, domestic violence, learning disability and mental illness, on children's welfare. Research, and in particular the biennial overview reports of serious case reviews have continued to emphasise the importance of understanding and acting on concerns about children's safety and welfare where these types of parental problems are present. The book is divided into three Part I explores the following general Chapter 1: questions whether concern is justified, and explores the problems of definition and prevalence. Chapter 2: explores the ways in which mental illness, learning disability, problem drug use (including alcohol) and domestic violence affect parenting capacity. Chapter 3: identifies which children are most vulnerable. Part II has a specific focus on children of different ages and stages of Chapter 4: discusses the impact of parental problems for children under five years. Chapter 5: focuses on the issues for children aged five to ten years. Chapter 6: focuses on young people aged 11 years and over. Part III draws together the findings and implication for policy and Chapter 7: discusses the conclusions from the study. Chapter 8: outlines the implications for policy and practice.

This book draws on a wide range of evidence to explore the facts about the relationship between substance misuse and domestic violence and their effect on children, and examines the response of children's services when there are concerns about the safety and welfare of children.

This book provides expert knowledge about the effects of domestic violence on children, coupled with facts, figures and guidance presented in a straightforward and accessible style. Two adoptive parents also describe what it is like to parent an affected child, 'telling it like it is', sharing their parenting experiences and offering useful advice. This combination of expert information and first-hand experience will help readers to gain knowledge and understanding, and to make informed decisions.