Qualitative investigation into assessment approaches to maltreated pre-school children in care and clinical research portfolio

Spedsberg, Maria Schelde (2019) Qualitative investigation into assessment approaches to maltreated pre-school children in care and clinical research portfolio. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Background: Infant mental health is crucial for healthy development. Children who have experienced adversities and are looked after in care need to be supported to form healthy attachment through a permanent placement as soon as possible. A major randomised control trial (RCT) called the Best Service Trial (BeST?) is currently investigating the most effective assessment framework for when children enter care. The assessments are facilitated by a social work service called Family Assessment and Contacts Service (FACS) and a team called the Glasgow Infant Mental Health Team (GIFT).

Aim: The research aims to explore the perspective of those involved in the assessment of cases of child maltreatment and their experiences of the wider child welfare system.

Methods: A case study approach was used to gain an in-depth insight. Thematic Analysis (TA) was used to analyse the transcripts from the key stakeholders surrounding four families, which were assessed by either GIFT or FACS.

Results: Three key themes were identified across the dataset. The importance of the duration of the assessment process, the need for effective communication during this and that the legal structure has a significant influence on the overall experience and outcomes.

Conclusions and implications: The study found that joint working was improved by open communication and that delays in outcomes are rooted in concerns around the child having to wait for a long-term home. It was highlighted that training for the Children’s Hearing System could improve the current structure.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Infant mental health, best trial, qualitative research.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Supervisor's Name: Minis, Professor Helen, Turner-Halliday, Dr. Fiona and McLeod, Professor Hamish
• Date of Award: 2019
• Depositing User: Dr Maria Spedsberg
• Unique ID: glathesis:2019-75056
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 09 Oct 2019 09:04
• Last Modified: 15 Aug 2022 08:41
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.75056
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/75056