If you have a mental health problem, your child’s wellbeing could be at risk. This is according to a recent report from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission, which found that children whose parents or carers have affected mental wellness are poorly provided for and sometimes left at risk of harm. Because of their findings, the two bodies have called on the government to make it mandatory for data on such children to be collected.
So what did the research involve? Looking at cases that occurred between 2007 and 2011, the researchers analysed serious cases in which a child was seriously harmed or even died. Although some situations were caused by other negative factors, such as drug abuse, alcohol problems and domestic violence, mental health difficulties in the child’s family was one of the most common factors for these negative wellness outcomes.
By way of example, the researchers noted one case in which two children were taken into care after their mother was hospitalised for mental health problems. Even though a report had already noted that the mother’s anxiety and depression had become worse after her partner left, the children, at eight and 10 years old, were only taken into care when their mother went into hospital. The report was also aware that the mother had had not showered for six months, rarely left the house and spent most days asleep, and still no one intervened until the children were at a dangerously serious risk.
According to the joint report from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission, entitled What about the Children?, it is estimated that there are 9 million adults who suffer with mental health problems, 30% of whom have children. However, in spite of this, there is no national obligation for you, or anyone, to let the relevant authorities know or collect information on how the parent and children are coping. Hence, the two bodies have put it to the government to make such measures mandatory. If you are suffering from a mental health problem, it is important to make use of the help and resources available to you, whether you have children or not. Consult a doctor for more information.
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