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Children at risk from mental health problems if their parents have them

A new study reveals that the children of people that suffer from mental health problems are at a higher risk then other children. It is estimated by the Ofsted and Quality Care Commission that about 30% of adults that suffer from mental health problems also have children.

The report was issued by the Care Quality Commission and Ofsted and found that children with parents or other carers that suffer from mental health problems are oftentimes not properly provided for and have a general higher risk of harm. The Commission also wants the government to make it mandatory that information on these children be collected on a regular basis.

The results were discovered after an analysis was performed of case reviews in which children were harmed or died between 2007 and 2011. The researchers found that mental health difficulties in the family were often common factors involved in the injuries or death along with domestic abuse and substance abuse issues.

One specific case saw two children aged eight and ten that were not taken into care until after their mother was admitted to a hospital, even though a report written about the matter took note of the fact that her depression and anxiety had been steadily growing. It was also known that she slept most days had not showered in six months, and did not leave house.

The report outlines the fact that even though about three million adults have mental health problems and children in the home, there is no obligation on health care providers to collect information on how they are managing or to alert authorities of the potential risk for harm. The Commission and charity What About the Children? are asking that this is changed to help protect innocent children.

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