Parental Learning Disability and Children's Needs

Isolation, institutionalization and involuntary sterilization have abated somewhat in the past few years, but many still question the abilities of those with learning disabilities who are now allowed to have their own families. Using data gleaned from social service records in the UK, Cleaver (social work, etc., emerita, Royal Holloway, U. of London) and the late Nicholson, practitioner and researcher, find that some families headed by one or more parents with learning disabilities require extra help from social service and educational agencies. However, they also find that a supportive community and extended family is probably the most important resource for people with learning disabilities who are rearing children. They make a number of solid recommendations on establishing standards of care for such families and building networks to support both parents and children. Annotation c2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Hedy Cleaver is an emeritus professor at Royal Holloway, University of London. Her experience as a social worker and child psychologist has informed her research on vulnerable children and families and the impact of professional interventions. She is co-author of Assessing Children's Needs and Circumstances: The Impact of the Assessment Framework, and (with Don Nicholson) Child Protection, Domestic Violence and Parental Substance Misuse, also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Don Nicholson was a senior manager in social services before taking early retirement in 1996. Don was involved in a range of research studies that explored the experiences of vulnerable children and families. His death is a great loss to the research community.