Main description:

Parental mental health problems and substance misuse affect a significant number of families. This handbook provides practitioners with early intervention techniques and effective support strategies for ensuring the best outcomes for these vulnerable families.

Featuring pointers, models and practice examples, A Practical Guide to Early Intervention and Family Support considers the concept of resilience and effective family support. Assessing the policy context and possible barriers to support, it looks at assessment of need, safeguarding children, minimising negative impact, and most importantly, keeping families together where possible. Drawing on key research on the risks and impacts, this book demonstrates the need for a unified approach from a range of adult and children's services. This third edition has been fully updated to reflect developments in policy and services.

Essential reading for all professionals who are involved in providing services to families, it will also be of interest to service commissioners and those with an academic interest in what helps to support children and families in these circumstances.

Contents:

List of Practice Examples. Preface. Acknowledgements. Introduction. 1. Context, Legislation and Policy. 2. The Potential Impact on Children and Families. 3. What Helps Build Resilience in These Families? 4. Professional Responses and Barriers to Effective Practice. 5. How Can Services Support Families More Effectively at the Practice Level? 6. What Else Can Services Do to Support Families More Effectively at the Strategic Level? 7. Conclusion. Further Resources. Bibliography. Appendix.