Legal News

A new multi-agency project to help vulnerable families in Norfolk stay together has prevented any babies being taken into care during the project’s first six months of operation.

The Norfolk Parent Infant Mental Health Attachment Project (NPIMHAP) has a team of therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, health professionals and family support workers, who liaise with parents to provide a tailored package of support to improve parents’ relationships with their babies.

Families are referred to the scheme if there are safeguarding concerns about their children and they have high emotional and mental health needs, with many families receiving support from the project having other children who have been taken into care.

The project is a joint initiative between Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) and Norfolk County Council – and health workers from the different agencies work specifically with new mothers at risk of post-natal depression and psychosis, as well as mothers who experience difficulty bonding with their children.

The scheme was launched in response to the high number of children aged below two years in care in Norfolk.

Clinical Psychologist with NSFT, Dr Richard Pratt, said:

”By supporting those parents and improving attachment, our aim is to have a positive impact on the family’s emotional experiences during a crucial stage of the baby’s development – in turn, helping them remain together.

“Feedback so far has been positive, with some parents telling us they are finding the sessions helpful in a way they have not experienced before.

“This is partially because of the flexibility of the service and the outreach nature of the work – rather than expecting parents to come to a clinic, we are taking help directly to them.

“As well as making the service more convenient for parents, bringing health and social care staff together is also helping us improve communication between organisations and work in collaboration more effectively.

“This can only be a good thing, as ultimately the more services are connected up, the more likely they are going to be successful and helpful for families.”

The project is funded by a £625,000 Transformational Challenge award from the Department of Communities and Local Government.

Chairman of the Children’s Services Committee at Norfolk County Council, James Joyce, said:

“We know that the post-natal period can be a particularly difficult time for parents and – for those who are already experiencing mental illness or experiencing emotional difficulties – it can be very hard to form an attachment with their new baby.

“In some cases, this can place the children at risk of harm – and we know that these families need very intensive support to help them to stay together.

“This project has had considerable early success in giving them the therapy that can make a big difference to their lives and the lives of their children.

“It is helping families to stay together and supporting some of the county’s most vulnerable children, which is a key priority for us.”

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors are the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise on access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and in some cases, Duncan Lewis may also be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on issues such as access to services and initiating treatment reviews, where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 0203 114 1124.