Children at risk where a parent has a learning
disability
As agreed by LSCB: June 2015
Update required: June 2016
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Children at Risk where a Parent has a Learning Disability
Introduction
A learning disability is a permanent life-long condition, which is defined by the Department of
Health as:
 A significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn new
skills (impaired intelligence);
 A reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning), which started
before adulthood, with a lasting effect on development.
The learning disability of a parent or carer does not necessarily have an adverse impact on a
child but it is essential to assess the implications for the child. If any agency has concerns
that a child is at risk of harm because of the impact of the parent/carer’s learning disability
they should check whether the child is subject to a Child Protection Plan.
Where it is believed that a child of a parent with a learning disability may be at risk of
Significant Harm, a Strategy Discussion/Meeting should be held and consideration should be
given to undertaking a Section 47 Enquiry.
In circumstances whereby a parent/carer has a learning disability it is likely there are a
number of professionals involved from different services. It is important that these
professionals work together within enquiries and assessments to identify any links between
the parent’s learning disability, their parenting, and the impact on the child. Any assessment
should include an understanding of the needs of the family and children and an identification
of the services required to meet these needs.
Implications of Parent/ Carer Learning Disability
To determine how a parent/ carer’s learning disability may impact on their parenting ability
and the child’s development, the following questions need to be considered within an
assessment:
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Does the child take on roles and responsibilities within the home that are
inappropriate?
Does the parent/ carer neglect their own child and their own child’s physical and
emotional needs?
Does the learning disability result in chaotic structures within the home with regards
to meal and bedtimes, etc?
Is there a lack of recognition of safety for the child?
Does the parent/ carer misuse alcohol or other substances?
Does the parent/ carer’s learning disability have implications for the child within
school, attending health appointments etc?
Does the parent/ carer’s learning disability result in them rejecting or being
unavailable to the child?
Does the child witness acts of violence or is the child subject to violence?
Does the wider family understand the learning disability of the parent/ carer, and the
impact of this on the parent/ carer’s ability to meet the child’s needs?
Is the wider family able and willing to support the parent/ carer so that the child’s
needs are met?
Does culture, ethnicity, religion or any other factor relating to the family have
implications on their understanding of the learning disability and the potential impact
on the child?
How the family functions, including conflict, potential family break up etc?
Is the parent/ carer vulnerable to being exploited by other people e.g. financially,
providing accommodation?
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Does the parent/ carer have difficulty in developing and sustaining relationships or
have relationships that may pose a risk to the child?
Does the parent have a limited understanding of the child’s needs and development
including pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for an infant?
Does the parent/ carer have poor parenting experiences from their own parents as a
child?
Does the parent/ carer have difficulty accessing health care and support for
themselves or the child?
Professionals within assessments must recognise that a learning disability is a lifelong
condition. Assessments must therefore consider the implications for the child as they
develop throughout childhood. Children may exceed their parent’s intellectual and social
functioning at a relatively young age. Early identification and intervention is therefore
essential.
Guidelines for Joint Working
It is essential that staff working in adult learning disabilities and child care work together
within the application of child protection procedures to ensure the safety of the child and,
where appropriate, support and guidance for the adult’s learning disability
Joint work will include learning disability workers providing any information with regard to the
parent/carer’s:
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Cognitive ability and functioning;
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Ability to attain and sustain change.
Professionals working with the children must assess the individual needs of each child and
within this incorporate information provided by adult learning disability workers.
Methods of assessment and intervention with regard to parenting must take into
consideration the parent/carer’s learning disability and be informed by learning disability
professionals.
Adult learning disability professionals must attend and provide information to any meeting
concerning the implications of the parent/carer’s learning disability on the child. These will
include:
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Strategy Meetings;
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Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences;
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Core Groups.
Child care professionals must attend meetings related to the management of the
parent/carer’s learning disability.
All plans for a child including Child Protection Plans will identify the roles and responsibilities
of adult learning disability and other professionals. The plan will also identify the process of
communication and liaison between professionals. All professionals should work in
accordance with their own agency procedures/ guidelines and seek advice and guidance
from line management when necessary.
Contingency Planning
Professionals need to consider carefully the implications for children when closing their
involvement with parents with a learning disability. Consideration should be given to
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informing the appropriate Children’s Social Care Services team in order that the implications
for the child are assessed.
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