Holding the baby

Social workers responsible for assisting a mother with learning and emotional difficulties must make the child their priority, according to social worker Debbie Blows. They must make regular visits to support the mother in caring for her child and to assess her progress. It is important to be aware that in cases where clients receive a range of services, the care of the child will in practice be shared. This can make it harder for the mother to develop and assume full parenting responsibilities.