Using attachment theory in children’s social care: Frontline Briefing (2025)
Introduction
This briefing, and accompanying glossary, is for practitioners who work with children and their parents or carers, discussing the developments in attachment theory and research, and highlights key messages and findings that practitioners may find useful in their practice. In particular, they focus on the significant changes and developments that have taken place over recent years, including challenging misunderstanding about the theory.
An accompanying series of three videos explore the fundamental principles of attachment theory for children and family practitioners.
This briefing is part of a suite of complementary resources that also includes:
- Practice Guide.
This is to be published soon.
Professional Standards
PQS:KSS - Relationships and effective direct work | Child development | Adult mental ill health, substance misuse, domestic abuse, physical ill health and disability | Child and family assessment | Analysis, decision-making, planning and review | Confident analysis and decision-making | Creating a context for excellent practice
PCF - Knowledge | Intervention and skills
This publication is a premium resource
Access the full publication with a one-off purchase or enjoy the benefits of membership.
Using a mentalising approach in social care: Frontline Briefing (2025)
Mentalising helps practitioners understand their own and others’ thoughts, feelings, and intentions. It plays a vital role in building relationships and supporting effective social care practice. This briefing explores how mentalising develops, why it matters, and ways to strengthen it in ourselves and those we work with. Strengthening mentalising skills encourages reflection, promotes empathy, and supports a thoughtful, collaborative approach to practice with the people we work with.
Supporting child development in early and middle years
All children and family services practitioners need to have a good understanding of child development. New Research in Practice resources explore key aspects of child development in children aged between 0 and 11 years.