Mental Disorders, Mental Illness and the Family Court: A Reference Guide for Non-Medical Professionals

Mental Disorders, Mental Illness and the Family Court provides a comprehensive guide that is relevant to both public and private work in the Family Court in England and Wales. This book describes the mental disorders and illnesses that can affect both children and adults and how these disorders may progress from childhood into adulthood. It also describes how such disorders in adults can impact the lives of children in their care.

The work offers practical advice to the Family Court as to what adjustments to consider for those appearing in court who are suffering with a mental health condition and to those representing the parties. It also describes the legal framework of the Family Court, the crossover between the Children Act and the Mental Health Act in respect of children and young people and the reports and assessments that are produced for the Family Court. Designed as a reference guide for non-medical professionals, the book discusses over 60 mental health conditions found in children, young people and adults. Each condition is described and includes information as to its prevalence, causes, symptoms and possible outcomes of treatments.

table of content

List of Mental Disorders in alphabetical order

PART ONE – DEVELOPMENT OF FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

1. Bonding and attachment

2. Family dynamics

3. Overview of mental disorders in children

4. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

PART TWO – MENTAL DISORDERS IN CHILDREN

5. Behaviour disorders in children

6. Emotional disorders in children

7. Developmental disorders in children

8. Psychotic disorders in children

9. Vulnerability factors and mental disorders in young people

10. Mental disorders, relationships and parenting

PART THREE – MENTAL DISORDERS IN ADULTS

11. Emotional disorders in adults

12. Psychotic disorders in adults

13. Behavioural disorders in adults

14. Developmental disorders in adults

15. Traumatic disorders in adults

16. Mental disorders in older adults

PART FOUR – THE WORK OF THE FAMILY COURT AND MENTAL HEALTH

17. The work of the Family Court

18. Safeguarding children and local authority care

19. Reports and Assessments and the Family Court

20. Ten tips for the Family Court about mental disorders in adults

21. Detention and the Mental Health Act

22. Violent and risky behaviour and mental disorders

PART FIVE – CASE STUDIES (22)