Mental health articles

Infants and children who have been abused or neglected may have developed
physical, emotional and behavioural consequences of that maltreatment. These
characteristics and behaviours may make caring for them more difficult. For
example, traumatised infants may continue to show avoidant or disruptive
behaviour even when placed in safe fostering environments. Infants with brain
damage after head trauma may have long-term physical and emotional
symptoms, meaning that their care is particularly difficult and challenging. This
presents parents (including foster and adoptive parents) with challenges that
they may not have anticipated, requiring them to demonstrate more patience or
perseverance than with less traumatised infants.

Tags: infant, maltreatment