Lack of trust

Many parents have had bad experiences of the services in the past and are often reluctant to seek help, even when they need it, for fear of where it might lead. They know they are under surveillance. They perceive social workers as being too ready to take their children away ('over-zealous in their assessment of risks', according to the Social Services Inspectorate). And they know that if the system turns against them they are powerless to resist. Not surprisingly, many parents adopt a strategy of avoidance: evading contact with people they see as being a threat to them and their family. This strategy has two consequences. It increases the risk of them being labelled as uncooperative, which makes action against them more likely. It also cuts them off from the services and supports they need, which makes it even more likely they will run into difficulties.

Research indicates that parents will decline or withdraw from professional services if: the services do not meet their needs; the language and resources used are inappropriate; the parents become 'over-serviced' by too much input; they suspect or learn that their competence is being questioned; professionals are dishonest, disrespectful or negative in their attitudes toward them.

(McGaw, S. (1998). Working with parents who happen to have intellectual disabilities. In E. Emerson et al, Clinical psychology and people with intellectual disabilities, Chichester: John Wiley, 193-209).