Meeting the physical health needs of our looked after children

摘要

Several studies have highlighted the high level of health need in looked-after children, which is not surprising given the backgrounds of neglect, poor parenting and chaotic lifestyles that many of these children have experienced. However, while there is strong evidence for high rates of mental health and developmental problems, evidence for the prevalence of physical disorders is conflicting, probably reflecting the different time points during a child's period of care at which studies are undertaken. The physical health of children at care entry is often poor, but many issues will resolve with appropriate intervention within a few months.