press release, 21 November 2011
Supporting parents with learning disabilities
21 November 2011 - for immediate release
A new publication from Disability Pregnancy & Parenthood International (DPPI) is now available for health and social care professionals
and students who are working with parents with a learning disability or difficulty.
Supporting parents with learning disabilities and difficulties: a starting point brings together in one concise publication details of the various valuable resources currently available to inform and guide professionals who are working to support parents with a learning disability. As well as details of resources, it also provides a brief introduction to the main issues faced by parents with learning disabilities.
Of an estimated 53,000 parents with a learning disability in England, around half will face the family courts, and the removal of their children from their care. And yet, when parents' individual support needs are addressed, many are able to successfully care for their own children. In a recent issue of the DPPI journal (July 2011), the Ann Craft Trust reported on their Inclusive Support project, including the fact that many people with learning disabilities can develop effective parenting skills given the right support. They also pointed out that: “Professionals who provide care during pregnancy and early parenthood are in a vital position to offer this support.” In practice, however, professionals are often ill equipped to provide the support needed. A recent survey of midwives conducted during the project identified: “a perceived lack of knowledge about the communication and health needs of people with learning disabilities … and a lack of awareness of accessible resources and support systems for use with parents with learning disability.”
For more information about the new guide from DPPI, or the wider work of the organisation visit the website at www.dppi.org.uk or contact the DPPI Information Service.
Notes to Editors
Supporting parents with learning disabilities and difficulties: a starting point is primarily aimed at professionals and students who work with parents with a learning disability. It contains a brief introduction to some of the issues faced by this group of parents, along with a collection of resources and contacts. These include national organisations, websites and contacts; local projects & services; accessible information for parents; tools, guidance and resources for professionals; and further reading for professionals. The guide is available from the DPPI Information Service, price £6.00.
Disability, Pregnancy and Parenthood International, National Centre for Disabled Parents, Unit F9, 89-93 Fonthill Road, London N4 3JH;
email: info@dppi.org.uk;
telephone: 0800 018 4730;
Disability, Pregnancy and Parenthood International (DPPI) is the leading national information charity on disability and parenthood. It provides an information service for disabled people who are considering parenthood, during pregnancy and as parents, and also for professionals, students and organisations who work with disabled parents. DPPI produces a quarterly journal, a range of guides on disabled parenting, and information via its website, training, and resource centre. All DPPI publications are free to disabled parents: a small charge is made to others.
In 2008 the Working Together with Parents Network estimated that it is likely that there are currently more than 53,000 mothers and fathers with a learning disability in England. The network supports professionals working with parents with learning difficulties and learning disabilities and their children. For more information visit their website at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/wtwpn.
The Ann Craft Trust works to safeguard vulnerable adults and disabled children. The Inclusive Support project was a training project run jointly with Mencap and the NCT. For more information visit their website at www.changepeople.org.uk.
ENDS