eyewitness theatre company

'building bridges' - programme objectives

A full day’s module that examines adult mental ill-health and its effect on parents’ or carers’ capacity to care for their children. The module is underpinned by the need for professionals in all departments to work in partnership to promote the safety and well-being of children in families where there is a mental health component.

Target group: Managers and practitioners from statutory, voluntary and independent agencies who work with children and families, especially from adult mental health agencies, and hospital staff.

Close collaboration and liaison between the adult mental health services and children’s welfare services are essential in the interest of children. This may require the sharing of information to safeguard and promote the welfare of children or protect a child from significant harm.
WORKING TOGETHER TO SAFEGUARD CHILDREN

Focuses:

To deliver a dramatic portrayal of some of the signs and symptoms of adult mental ill-health and the impact they might have on a child or young person.
The effects that caring for a mentally ill adult can have on a child.
To make a distinction between the needs of the adult and the risks to a child.
To identify areas of research on mental health (and parenting capacity) and the safety of the child.
Assessments frameworks, core groups and child protection plans.
The afternoon session BUILDING BRIDGES examines the barriers to effective communication and some of the myths that professionals have about each other’s roles and responsibilities. We will draw up recommendations for action to ensure that professionals work effectively together locally.

"Adult mental health problems, along with domestic violence and parent substance misuse, may be features in families where children are exposed to abuse."
WORKING TOGETHER TO SAFEGUARD CHILDREN

The module recognises that professionals working together in Adult Mental Health and Children’s Services often have different roles and responsibilities and the structure of the day has been designed to promote (IN A NON-THREATENING ENVIRONMENT) local integration, understanding and collaboration.