Introduction

My overall objective in this book has been to highlight the relevance of community mental health thinking in relation to primary prevention in schools and secondary prevention in the context of the family justice system's so-called private family law proceedings. In particular, I have drawn attention to this neglected form of early intervention when children are facing critical family change. In Chapter Twelve I consider some barriers which will need to be overcome before such an approach can be implemented. In Chapter Thirteen I outline some new policies and practices needed as a way of doing this. Before doing so, it may help readers if I briefly recap the social values which underlie my thinking in these matters:

• • It is apparent from demographic change over the last half century that the social institution of parenthood has superseded in importance the institution of marriage (see Chapter One).

• • If the family is riven by stressful interparental conflict and is unable to provide its children and young people with secure, consistent and loving support on their journey through childhood to adulthood then other social, educational, health and family justice services should compensate as far as possible.

• • The fostering of children's mental health and resilient wellbeing is as much a community as a family responsibility and every bit as important as ensuring their physical health and academic attainment – indeed, the two are inextricably related.

• • The provision of non-stigmatic early supportive intervention provided directly to the child or young person experiencing critical family change can help prevent the later onset of more serious problems affecting their mental health, educational attainment and other life chances.

• • Helping children and young people through critical life-changing family experience involves having the time to establish a trusting rapport with them, listening empathetically and giving them a voice when decisions about their future are being taken. Translating this principle into practice remains a particular issue for the family justice system, as I have explained in Chapter Ten, but also obviously applies to other services in direct contact with children, such as schools, primary healthcare and other children's welfare services.