Mental health
Mental health is as important to a child’s safety and wellbeing as their physical health. It can impact on all aspects of their life, including their educational attainment, relationships and physical wellbeing.
Mental health can also change over time, to varying degrees of seriousness, and for different reasons. Negative experiences such as abuse, and neglect can adversely impact a child’s mental health.
Mental health issues can also sometimes lead to safeguarding and child protection issues, for example if a child’s mental health begins to put them or other people at risk of harm.Â