Influence of adverse socio-emotional risk factors on the physical and mental health needs of children and young people in public care of a South-West England local authority

Abstract

Introduction: There is increasing published evidence confi rming the long-term adult mental and physical health impact of childhood exposure to adverse events including diff erent forms of abuse and family dysfunction. Looked-after Children and young people (LACYP) living in public care are known to be a highly vulnerable group, who have often experienced several pre-care poor socio-economic and family circumstances with subsequent placement instability, as well as inadequate compensatory care within the social care system. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the adverse socio-emotional risk factors experienced by a cohort of LACYP and their emotional, behavioural and physical health needs within a South-West England Local Authority between Jan and Dec 2018.