SCIE/NICE recommendations on looked after children: Promoting the quality of life of looked-after children and young people

Supporting babies and young children

Evidence suggests that frequent moves and parents’ physical and mental health problems can adversely affect the ability of babies and very young children to form healthy attachments that lead to healthy emotional and physical development. To combat this disadvantage, there is a need to plan decisively for permanent placements, based on high-quality assessments carried out by skilled professionals. Comprehensive, flexible service provision can help meet this aim.

Recommendation 16 Assess the needs of babies and young children and ensure access to services

Who should take action?

Social work managers. Providers of health services (including CAMHS).

Recommendation 17 Ensure there are specialist services for babies and young children

Who should take action?

Recommendation 18 Ensure carers and frontline practitioners working with babies and young children receive specialist training

Whose health and wellbeing will benefit?

Looked-after babies and young children.

Who should take action?

Recommendation 19 Reduce moves and achieve permanence for babies and young children

Whose health and wellbeing will benefit?

Who should take action?