Knowledge and Practice Hubs

Attachment knowledge and practice hub

toddler looking scared or unhappy, being comforted by mother Photo: Irnya/Adobe Stocke

Learning points

  • A precise understanding of attachment theory and the role it can play in assessing and supporting families.
  • How to draw confidently on attachment theory in reports and court work (and why this might involve not using the word ‘attachment’ at all).
  • Applying attachment concepts such as the ‘secure base’, ‘safe haven’, mentalization and emotion regulation in different scenarios, including when working with children in care or adoption, parents with histories of trauma, and the role of your own attachment pattern in your practice.

This resources in this hub can help you meet point 3 of the Knowledge and skills statement for child and family practitioners: Child development and point 5: Abuse and neglect of children.