This is the first practical book to show how professionals can bridge the gap between the conflicting needs of a child and its parents with mental health problems. The emphasis is on effective professional, interdisciplinary collaboration. A range of issues are analysed, taking into consideration the different professional perspectives. This book offers clear guidance to those at the sharp end of child protection whether in the community or in institutional settings.

Table of Contents

An introduction to the issues: a new holistic approach outlined; The real risks children face: the role and perspective of the child psychiatrist; Families coping with mental health problems: the role and perspective of the general adult psychiatrist; Professional challenges and dilemmas; Parenting as a civil right: supporting service users who choose to have children; Risk assessments of infants born to parents with a mental health problem or a learning disability; Postnatal depression in the context of changing patterns of childcare: the implications for primary prevention; Working with parents with mental health problems: management of the many risks; Understanding the needs of children and families from different cultures; The user's perspective: the experience of being a parent with a mental health problem; The size of the task facing professional agencies; Crossing over between services: the Lewisham experience; The contribution of the voluntary sector to innovation and development; Providing services to children and families where the parent has a mental health problem: the Australian experience; Managing strategies for change in childcare and mental health services in Bath and North East Somerset; Building bridges: lessons for the future.