Mental health service users can be good parents, but new research from the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide (NCISH) and findings from investigations into the deaths of children have highlighted a rare but important risk to children when their parent or carer has delusional beliefs involving their children, or has a suicide plan involving their children.
The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) are advising that staff in adult mental health services caring for a parent must always consider the child’s needs and the potential for physical and psychological harm as part of multiagency risk assessment processes.
HSC SCQD02-10 - Rapid Response Report: Preventing Harm to Children from Parents with Mental Health Needs document