An Evidence-Based, Pre-Birth Assessment Pathway for Vulnerable Pregnant Women. (1st February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barlow, Jane; Dawe, Sharon; Coe, Chris; Harnett, Paul
• Is Part Of: British journal of social work. Volume 46:Number 4(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 960
• Page End: 973
• Publication Date: 2015-02-01
• Subjects: Pre-birth assessment -- Parents Under Pressure -- Early identification -- standardised tools; Social service -- Periodicals; Social workers -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bcu150
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-3102

Abstract

Abstract : The developmental needs of infants during the first year of life have been emphasised by recent research from a variety of sources highlighting the crucial role that early parent–infant interaction plays. Infants identified as being at significant risk of maltreatment need adequate protection within a time frame consistent with their developmental needs. This briefing paper describes a new care pathway established within a UK-based social care team, which aims to provide early identification, intensive support, timely assessment and decision making for a group of highly vulnerable, pregnant women, their partners and their infants. The pathway of care is described and a case study is presented to illustrate this care pathway. A mother is referred at eighteen weeks of pregnancy and supported post birth for six months. The combination of supporting structured professional judgement by the inclusion of standardised tools and training in a programme specifically developed for high-risk families suggests that this pre-birth risk-assessment process warrants further evaluation.