The signs of attachment issues can be similar to indicators that a child is experiencing other challenges, such as:
mental health problemsadditional needsabuse and neglect.This means it’s important to consider everything that’s going on in a child’s life and make sure they and their family are provided with appropriate support.
Think about all your previous experiences with the child and their caregivers, to help you build a clear picture of their relationships and recognise any concerning patterns of behaviour.
The impact of trauma and attachmentChildren who have experienced abuse, neglect and trauma might develop coping strategies that can make it more complicated to recognise attachment issues.
For example, one sign of secure attachment is that children see their caregiver as a secure base to explore from. But children who have experienced neglect, for example, might display independent behaviour in order to protect themselves from the emotional pain of not having their needs met (Marvin et al, 2002)1.
It is also possible for a child to develop an attachment to someone who is maltreating them (Blizard & Bluhm, 1994)2.
As well as affecting attachment, experiencing trauma can have an impact on a child’s brain development. Children might need extra support to help strengthen the architecture of their brain.
> Find out more about how trauma affects child brain development
What to do if you’re worried that a child is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglectIf a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.
If you’re worried about a child but they are not in immediate danger, you should share your concerns.
Follow your organisation’s child protection procedures without delay. These should provide clear guidelines on the steps you need to take if a child discloses abuse. They will state who in your organisation has responsibility for safeguarding or child protection and who you should report your concerns to.Contact your local child protection services. Their contact details can be found on the website for the local authority the child lives in.Contact the police. They will assess the situation and take the appropriate action to protect the child.Contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk. Our child protection specialists will talk through your concerns with you, give you expert advice and take action to protect the child as appropriate. This may include making a referral to the local authority.> Find out more about recognising and responding to abuse
If your organisation doesn't have a clear safeguarding procedure or you're concerned about how child protection issues are being handled in your own, or another, organisation, contact the Whistleblowing Advice Line to discuss your concerns.
> Find out about the Whistleblowing Advice Line on the NSPCC website
When you're not sureThe NSPCC Helpline can help when you’re not sure if a situation needs a safeguarding response. Our child protection specialists are here to support you whether you’re seeking advice, sharing concerns about a child, or looking for reassurance.
Whatever the need, reason or feeling, you can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk
Our trained professionals will talk through your concerns with you. Depending on what you share, our experts will talk you through which local services can help, advise you on next steps, or make referrals to children’s services and the police.
> Find out more about how the NSPCC Helpline can support you
References
Marvin et al (2002) The Circle of Security project: Attachment-based intervention with caregiver–pre-school child dyads. Attachment & human development. pp 107-124. Blizard, R. A. and A.M Bluhm (1994) Attachment to the abuser: integrating object-relations and trauma theories in treatment of abuse survivors. Psychotherapy, 31(3): 383-390.