Parents need help accessing support

Social care practitioners need to be aware that children in
families with problems find it hard to access help, according to
FSU chief executive Philippa Giltin, writes Anabel
Unity Sale.

Speaking at Community Care Live Children and Families
in London, she told delegates: “Children in a troubled family find
it particularly difficult to find help as they don’t approach
proffessionals, such as teachers and social workers, and don’t know
where to get formal help from.

Gitlin added that parents themselves were also worried about
coming forward if they are experiencing problems because of the
stigma associated with doing so.

Also addresssing the session on threats to children’s well-being
in the home, Cardiff University senior psychology lecturer Gordon
Harold said it is the relationship between two parents that can
have the biggest effect on a child. “It is what happens between mum
and dad rather than what happens to mum and dad that affects
children the most.”

He added that if conflict in a family was handled and managed
well then a child will learn valuable skills that she or he can
apply to their own life in adulthood.

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