Carer understands the importance of stability for child. moves/ new adults in the family home. Carer recognises that this could impact on child, but the carer’s personal circumstances occasionally impact on this. of moves and/or lots of adults coming in and out of the home for periods of time. Carer does not accept the importance of stability for child. circumstances of overcrowding leading to children sleeping in unsuitable circumstances). The home has a number of adults coming and going. Child does not always know these adults who stay over. Carer is hostile about being told about the impact on child of instability. PHYSICAL CARE: Child’s clothing 1) Child focused care giving. 2) Adult focused care giving. 3) Child’s Needs are secondary to adults. 4) Child’s needs are not considered. Child has clothing which is clean and fits appropriately. Child has clothes which are appropriate, but are sometimes poorly fitting, unclean and crumpled. Child has clothing which is dirty and crumpled, in a poor state of repair and not well fitting. The Child has clothes which are filthy, ill fitting and smelly. The clothes are usually unsuitable for the
Child is dressed appropriately for the weather and carers are aware of the importance of appropriate clothes for the child in an age appropriate way. The carer gives consideration to the appropriateness of clothes to meet the needs of the child in an age appropriate way, but their own personal circumstances can get in the way. child lacks appropriate clothes for the weather and does not have sufficient clothing to allow for regular washing. Carer(s) are indifferent to the importance of appropriate clothes for the child in an age appropriate way. weather. Child may sleep in day clothes and is not provided with clean clothes when they are soiled. The carer is hostile to advice about the need for appropriate clothes for the well being of the child. PHYSICAL CARE: Animals 1) Child focused care giving. 2) Adult focused care giving. 3) Child’s Needs are secondary to adults. 4) Child’s needs are not considered. Animals are well cared for and do not present a danger to children or adults. Children are encouraged to behave appropriately Animals look reasonably well cared for, but contribute to a sense of chaos in the house. Animals present no dangers to children or Animals not always well cared for or ailments treated. Presence of faeces or urine from animals not treated appropriately and animals not well trained. Animals not well cared for and presence of faeces and urine in living areas. Animals dangerous and chaotically looked after. Carers do not address the
towards animals. adults and any mistreating of animals is addressed. The mistreatment of animals by adults or children is not addressed. ill treatment of animals by adults or children. PHYSICAL CARE: Hygiene 1) Child focused care giving. 2) Adult focused care giving. 3) Child’s Needs are secondary to adults. 4) Child’s needs are not considered. The child is clean and is either given a bath/washed daily or encouraged to do so in an age appropriate way. The child is encouraged to brush their teeth and head lice, skin complaints etc are treated appropriately. Nappy rash is treated appropriately. Carers take an interest in the child’s appearance The child is reasonably clean, but the carer does not bath/wash the child regularly and/or the child is not consistently encouraged to do so in an age appropriate way. The child does not always clean their teeth, and head lice and skin conditions etc. are treated in an inconsistent way. Nappy rash is a problem, but parent treats if given encouragement and advice. The child looks unclean and is only occasionally bathed/ washed or encouraged to do so in an age appropriate way. There is evidence that the child does not brush their teeth, and that head lice and skin conditions etc. are not treated appropriately. Carer does not address concerns about nappy rash and is indifferent to concerns expressed by others. Carers do not take an interest in child’s appearance and do not acknowledge the importance of hygiene to the child’s wellbeing The child looks dirty, and is not bathed or washed or encouraged to do so. The child does not brush teeth. Head lice and skin conditions are not treated and become chronic. Carer does not address concerns about nappy rash and is hostile to concerns expressed by others. The carer is hostile to concerns expressed by others about the child’s lack of hygiene. HEALTH: Safe sleeping arrangements and co-sleeping for babies 1) Child focused care giving. 2) Adult focused care giving. 3) Child’s Needs are secondary to adults. 4) Child’s needs are not considered. Carer has information on safe sleeping and follows the guidelines. Carer has information on safe sleeping, but does not always follow Carer unaware of safe sleeping guidelines, even if they have been Carer indifferent or hostile about safe sleeping guidance. Sees
There is suitable bedding and carers having an awareness of the importance of the room temperature, sleeping position of the baby and carer does not smoke in household. Carer aware of guidance around safe co-sleeping and recognises the importance of the impact of alcohol and drugs on safe co-sleeping. There are appropriate sleeping arrangements for children. guidelines, so bedding, temperature or smoking may be a little chaotic and carer may not be aware of sleeping position of the baby. (Be aware this raises risk of cot death). Carer aware of the dangers of co-sleeping and recognises the dangers of drugs and alcohol by the carer on safe co-sleeping, but this is sometimes inconsistently observed. Sleeping arrangements for children can be a little chaotic. provided. Carer ignores advice about beds and bedding, room temperature, sleeping position of the baby and smoking. (Be aware this raises risk of cot death). Carer does not recognise the importance of safe co-sleeping or the impact of carer’s alcohol /drug use on safety. Sleeping arrangements for children are not suitable and carer is indifferent to advice regarding this. Carer not concerned about impact on child. it as interference and does not take account of beds and bedding, room temperature, sleeping position of the baby and adults smoke in the household. (Be aware this raises risk of cot death). Carer hostile to advice about safe sleeping and the impact of carer ‘s drug and alcohol on safe co-sleeping for the baby. Sleeping arrangements for children are not suitable andcarer is hostile to advice regarding this. Carer not concerned about impact on child or risks associated with this, such as witnessing adult sexual behaviour. HEALTH: Seeking advice and intervention 1) Child focused care giving. 2) Adult focused care giving. 3) Child’s Needs are secondary to adults. 4) Child’s needs are not considered. Advice sought from professionals/ experienced adults on matters of concern about child’s health. Appointments are made and consistently attended. Advice is sought about illnesses, but this is occasionally delayed or poorly managed as a result of carer difficulties. Carer understands the importance of routine The carer does not routinely seek advice about childhood illnesses but does when concerns are serious or when prompted by others. Dental care and optical care are not routinely Carer does not attend to childhood illnesses, unless severe or in an emergency. Childhood illnesses allowed to deteriorate before advice/care is sought.
Preventative care is carried out such as dental/optical and all immunisations are up to date. Carer ensures child completes any agreed programme of medication or treatment. care such as optical/dental but is not always consistent in keeping routine appointments. Immunisations are delayed, but eventually completed. Carer is inconsistent about ensuring that the child completes any agreed programme of medication or treatment, but does recognise the importance to the child, but personal circumstances can get in the way. attended to. Immunisations are not up to date, but carer will allow access to children if home visits are carried out. Carer does not ensure the child completes any agreed programme of medication or treatment and is indifferent to the impact on child’s wellbeing. Carer hostile to advice from others (professionals and family members) to seek medical advice. Routine appointments such as dental and optical not attended to, immunisations not up to date, even if a home appointment is offered. Carer does not ensure that the child completes any agreed programme of medication or treatment and is hostile to advice about this from others, and does not recognise likely impact on child. HEALTH: Disability and illness 1) Child focused care giving. 2) Adult focused care giving. 3) Child’s Needs are secondary to adults. 4) Child’s needs are not considered. Carer positive about child’s identity and values him/her. Carer complies with needs relating to child’s disability. Carer is proactive in seeking appointments and advice and advocating for the child’s well-being. Carer does not always value child and allows issues of disability to impact on feelings towards the child. Carer is inconsistent in their compliance with needs relating to child’s disability, but does recognise the importance to the child, but personal circumstances get in the Carer shows anger and frustration at child’s disability. Often blaming the child and not recognising identity. Carer does not ensure compliance with needs relating to child’s disability, and there is significant minimisation of child’s health needs. The carer does not seek Carer does not recognise child’s identity and is negative about child as a result of the disability. Carer does not ensure compliance with needs relating to child’s disability, which leads to deterioration of the child’s well-being. Carer hostile when instructed to seek help for
way. Caregiver accepts advice and support but is not proactive in seeking advice and support around the child’s needs. or accept advice and support around the child’s needs, and is indifferent to the impact on the child. the child, and is actively hostile to any advice or support around child’s disability SAFETY & SUPERVISION: Safety awareness and features 1) Child focused care giving. 2) Adult focused care giving. 3) Child’s Needs are secondary to adults. 4) Child’s needs are not considered. Carer aware of safety issues and there is evidence of safety equipment use and maintenance Carer is aware of safety issues, but is inconsistent in use and maintenance of safety equipment, and allows personal circumstances to get in the way of consistency. The carer does not recognise dangers to child and there is a lack of safety equipment, and evidence of daily dangers to the child. Carer indifferent to advice about this and does not recognise or acknowledge the impact on the child. Carer does not recognise dangers to the child’s safety and hostile to advice regarding this, does not recognise the importance to the child, and can hold child responsible for accidents and injuries.
led by baby’s moods, and so responds negatively if baby unresponsive. recognise importance of comforting baby when distressed. piece of equipment for long periods and lacks adult attention and contact. Carer hostile to advice to pick baby up, and provide comfort and attention. Carer does not recognise importance to baby. SAFETY & SUPERVISION: Care by other adults 1) Child focused care giving. 2) Adult focused care giving. 3) Child’s Needs are secondary to adults. 4) Child’s needs are not considered. Child is left in care of a vetted adult. Never in sole care of an under 16. Parent/child always aware of each other’s whereabouts. Child 0-9 year old is sometimes left with a child age 10-13 or a person known to be unsuitable. Parents unsure of child’s whereabouts. Carer inconsistent in Child 0-7 year old is left with an 8-10 year old or an unsuitable person. Child found wandering and/or locked out. Carer does not raise awareness of the importance of child Child 0-7 year old is left alone or in the company young child or an unsuitable person. Child often found wandering and/or locked out. Carer does not provide
Out of necessity a child aged 1-12 is left with a young person under 14 who is familiar and has no significant problem for no longer than necessary as an isolated incident. raising the importance of a child keeping themselves safe from others and provides some advice and support. Carer aware of the importance of safe care, but sometimes is inconsistent because of own personal circumstances. keeping themselves safe from others and provides no advice and support. Carer is indifferent to the importance of safe care of the child and leaves the child with unsuitable or potentially harmful adults and does not recognise the potential risks to the child. any advice about keeping safe, and may put adult dangers in the way of the child. Carer hostile to advice or professional challenge about giving safe care and impact of children being left with unsuitable and/or unsuitable or dangerous adults . SAFETY & SUPERVISION: Responding to adolescents 1) Child focused care giving. 2) Adult focused care giving. 3) Child’s Needs are secondary to adults. 4) Child’s needs are not considered. The adolescent’s needs are fully considered with appropriate adult care. Where risky behaviour occurs it is identified and responded to appropriately by the carer. The carer is aware of the adolescent’s needs but is inconsistent in responding to them. The carer is aware that the adolescent needs appropriate care but is inconsistent in providing The carer does not consistently respond to the adolescent’s needs and recognises risky behaviour but does not always respond appropriately. The adolescent’s needs are not considered and there is not enough appropriate adult care. The carer does not recognise that the adolescent is still in need of guidance with
proactively. inconsistent because of own personal circumstances or difficulties. behaviour. Carer indifferent to advice about the need for more appropriate methods of disciplining. discipline. Carer hostile to advice about appropriate methods of disciplining LOVE AND CARE: Adult arguments and violence 1) Child focused care giving. 2) Adult focused care giving. 3) Child’s Needs are secondary to adults. 4) Child’s needs are not considered. Carers do not argue aggressively and are not physically abusive in front of the children. Carers sometimes argue aggressively in front of children, but there is no physical abuse of either party. Carers frequently argue aggressively in front of children and this leads to violence. Carers argue aggressively frequently in front of the children and this leads to frequent physical violence.
Carer has a good understanding of the impact of arguments and anger on children and is sensitive to this. Carer recognises the impact of severe arguments on the child’s wellbeing but personal circumstances sometimes get in the way. There is a lack of awareness and understanding of the impact of the violence on children and carers are indifferent to advice regarding this. There is indifference to the impact of the violence on children and carers are hostile to advice about the impact on children LOVE AND CARE: Young carers 1) Child focused care giving. 2) Adult focused care giving. 3) Child’s Needs are secondary to adults. 4) Child’s needs are not considered. Child contributes to households tasks as would be expected for age and stage of development. Does not take on Child has some additional responsibilities within household, but these are manageable for age and stage of development and do not Child has onerous caring responsibilities that interfere with education and leisure activities. Carer indifferent to Child has caring responsibilities which are inappropriate and interfere directly with child’s education/leisure opportunities.
additional caring responsibilities. Carer recognises the importance of appropriateness regarding caring responsibilities. interfere with child’s education and interfere minimally with leisure/sporting activities. Carer recognises that the child should not be engaged in inappropriate caring responsibilities but is inconsistent in their response. impact on child. This may include age inappropriate tasks, and /or intimate care. The impact on the child’s wellbeing is not understood or acknowledged. Carer is hostile to advice about the inappropriateness of caring responsibilities. LOVE AND CARE: Positive values 1) Child focused care giving. 2) Adult focused care giving. 3) Child’s Needs are secondary to adults. 4) Child’s needs are not considered. Carer encourages child to have positive values, to understand right from wrong, be respectful to others and show kindness and helpfulness. Carer understands Carer inconsistent in helping child to have positive values, to understand right from wrong, be respectful to others and show kindness and helpfulness. Carer does not teach child positive values. Is indifferent to issues of right and wrong, kindness and respect to others. Carer does not Carer actively encourages negative values in child and has at times condoned behaviour. Carer indifferent to the impact on child’s social
importance to child’s development. This includes an awareness of smoking, underage drinking and drug misuse as well as early sexual relationships. Carer gives clear advice and support. Carer ensures child does not watch inappropriate films/TV or play with computer games which are inappropriate for child’s age and stage of development. Carer aware of importance to child’s development, but not always able to impose framework. Carer has variable awareness of smoking, underage drinking and drug misuse as well as early sexual relationships. Carer gives some advice and support. Carer aware of need to monitor child watching inappropriate material and playing inappropriate computer games, but is inconsistent in monitoring because of own personal difficulties and circumstances. understand importance to child’s development. Carer gives little advice about smoking, underage drinking and drug misuse as well as early sexual relationships. Carer does not monitor the watching of inappropriate materials or playing inappropriate games and is indifferent about the impact on the child. development. Carer indifferent to smoking, underage drinking and drug misuse, and early sexual relationships. No advice given, and may, at times, have encouraged some of these activities. Carer(s) allows child(ren) to watch inappropriate TV /film material and inappropriate computer games. Is hostile to advice about inappropriateness and to the impact on child (s) wellbeing . LOVE AND CARE: Adult behaviour 1) Child focused care giving. 2) Adult focused care giving. 3) Child’s Needs are secondary to adults. 4) Child’s needs are not considered. Carer does not talk about feelings of depression /low mood in front of the children and is aware of potential impact. Carer does not misuse drugs or alcohol. Carer does discuss feelings of depression and low mood, but does not discuss suicide and is aware of the impact of parental mood on children, but their own mood or circumstances means there is inconsistency in awareness of this. Carer talks about depression and suicide in front of child and is unaware of potential impact on child. Carer indifferent to advice about the importance of not talking about this issue. Caregiver has attempted suicide in front of child. Carer can hold the child responsible for feelings of depression and is open with the child and/or others about this. Carer is hostile to advice focussed on stopping this
Carer uses drugs and alcohol, but ensures that this does not impact on child. Carer misuses drugs and/or alcohol, and is not aware of impact on child. behaviour and carer does not recognise the impact on the child. Carer misuses drugs and alcohol and does not ensure that this has no impact on the child. This impacts on safety and wellbeing. Carer hostile to advice about this. LOVE AND CARE: Substance misuse 1) Child focused care giving. 2) Adult focused care giving. 3) Child’s Needs are secondary to adults. 4) Child’s needs are not considered. Alcohol and drugs are stored safely, if in the home. The carer models low consumption or does not drink or use in front of the child. The carer’s use does not impact on the child in terms of carer’s emotional availability and provides consistency of care or they have physical ability to care or respond to the The carer maintains boundaries and routines but these are changed and/or adapted to accommodate use at times. The carer understands the importance of hygiene, emotional and physical care of their child and arranges for additional support when unable to fully provide for the child. The carer believes it is normal for children to be exposed to regular alcohol and substance use. The carer lacks awareness of the impact their substance use has on their child and is inconsistent in their engagement with specialist agencies. The carer’s use leads to The carer holds the child responsible for their use & blames their continual use on the child. The carer significantly minimises and is hostile to advice around their use or refuses to acknowledge concerns. The carer involves the child in their using behaviour (i.e. asking the child to get the
child. The carer is able to respond to emergency situations should they arise appropriately. The carer talks appropriately about substances to the child, being aware of the child’s development, age and understanding. The carer is aware of the impacts of substances on an unborn child and follows recommendations regarding the child’s wellbeing. Appropriate antenatal care is sought. Alcohol and substances do not impact on the family finances. The child’s needs are fully met and a wide network of family and supportive others are involved. Finances are affected but the child’s needs are generally met. The mood of the carer can be irritable or distant at times. The carer is aware of the impact of substances on an unborn child but inconsistently follows recommendations regarding the child’s wellbeing. an inconsistency in caring and the child takes on inappropriate responsibilities at home. The carer needs support in order to manage their use during pregnancy and lacks awareness on the impact this may have on their baby in terms of immediate and medium to long term future. Substances can be accessed by the child. The child’s access to appropriate medical or dental care is delayed and education is disrupted. The finances are affected and the carer’s mood is unpredictable. substances or prepare the substances). The carer refuses antenatal care or does not attend care offered. The carer cannot respond to the child’s needs or shows little awareness of the child’s wellbeing (i.e. attending school) There is an absence of supportive family members or a network. The child is exposed to abusive or frightening behaviour of either the carer or other adults (i.e. delusions/hallucinations). Education is frequently disrupted. The carer does not recognise and respond to the child’s concerns and worries about the carer’s circumstances. PTO The carer is unable to ensure that the home environment is free form other users or from violence associated with dealing STIMULATION & EDUCATION: 1) Child focused care giving. 2) Adult focused care giving. 3) Child’s Needs are secondary to adults. 4) Child’s needs are not considered.
Unborn The mother acknowledges the pregnancy and seeks care as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed. The mother attends all her antenatal appointments and seeks medical advice if there is a perceived problem. She prepares for the birth of the baby and has the appropriate clothing, equipment and cot in time. The mother attends antenatal clinic and prepares for the birth of her baby, but she is acutely aware of her mental health or substance misuse problems which could negatively impact on her unborn baby. The mother is unaware of the impact her mental health and/or substance misuse problems on the unborn child. The mother does not attend any antenatal clinic appointments; she ignores medical advice during the pregnancy. She has nothing prepared for the birth of her baby. She engages in activities that could hinder the development, safety and welfare of the unborn. 0-2 Years The child is well stimulated and the carer is aware of the importance of this. There is inadequate stimulation and the baby is left alone at times because of carer’s personal circumstances and this leads to inconsistent interaction. Carer is aware of the importance of stimulation, but is inconsistent in response. The carer provides the baby with little stimulation and the baby is left alone unless making serious and noisy demands. The carer does not provide stimulation and the baby’s mobility is restricted (confined in chair/pram). Carer gets angry at the demands made by the baby. Carer hostile to advice about the importance of stimulation and paying attention to the baby’s needs for attention and physical care. STIMULATION & EDUCATION: 2-5 years 1) Child focused care giving. 2) Adult focused care giving. 3) Child’s Needs are secondary to adults. 4) Child’s needs are not considered.
Carer takes an active interest in schooling and support at home, attendance is regular. Carer engages well with school or nursery and does not sanction missed days unless necessary. Carer encourages child to see school as important. Interested in school and support for homework. Carer maintains schooling but there is not always support at home. Carer struggles to link with school, and their own difficulties and circumstances can get in the way. Can sanction days off where not necessary. Carer understands the importance of school, but is inconsistent with this and there is also inconsistency in support for homework. Carer makes little effort to maintain schooling. There is a lack of engagement with school. No interest in school or homework. Carer does not recognise child’s need for education and is collusive about child not seeing it as important. Carer hostile about education, and provides no support and does not encourage child to see any aspect positively. Total lack of engagement and no support for any aspect of school such as homework, outings etc. STIMULATION & EDUCATION: Sport and leisure 1) Child focused care giving. 2) Adult focused care giving. 3) Child’s Needs are secondary to adults. 4) Child’s needs are not considered.
for the child. STIMULATION & EDUCATION: Addressing bullying 1) Child focused care giving. 2) Adult focused care giving. 3) Child’s Needs are secondary to adults. 4) Child’s needs are not considered. Carer alert to child being bullied and addresses immediately. Carer aware of likelihood of bullying and does intervene when child asks. Carer unaware of child being bullied and does not intervene. Carer indifferent to child being bullied. PARENTAL MOTIVATION FOR CHANGE: . 1) Child focused care giving. 2) Adult focused care giving. 3) Child’s Needs are secondary to adults. 4) Child’s needs are not considered. Carer is concerned about children’s welfare; wants to meet their physical, social, and emotional needs to the extent he/she understands them. Carer seems concerned about children’s welfare and claims he/she wants to meet their needs, but has problems with own pressing circumstances and needs. Carer is not concerned enough about children’s needs to change or address competing demands on their time and money. This leads to some of the children’s needs not Carer rejects the parental role and takes a hostile attitude toward child care responsibilities. Carer does not see that they have a responsibility to the child, and can
Carer is determined to act in best interests of children. Has realistic confidence that he/she can overcome problems and is willing to ask for help when needed. Is prepared to make sacrifices for children. Professed concern is often not translated into effective action, but carer expresses regrets about own difficulties dominating. Would like to change, but finds it hard. May be disorganised, does not take enough time, or pays insufficient attention; may misread ‘signals’ from children; may exercise poor judgement. being met. Carer does not share professionals’ ‘priorities’ when it comes to child care; may take an indifferent attitude. There is lack of interest in the children and in their often see the child as totally responsible for themselves or believe that any harm that befalls the child is the child’s own fault and that there is something about the child that deserves ill treatment and hostile parenting. May seek to give up the responsibility for children.