Using attachment theory in children’s social care: Frontline Briefing (2025)
Introduction
These resources are for practitioners who work with children and their parents or carers. This includes social workers, children and family practitioners, foster carers, and may also be helpful for those working with children in the wider multi-agency team.
The Frontline Briefing discusses developments in attachment theory and research, and highlights key messages and findings that practitioners may find useful in their practice. In particular, it focuses on the significant changes and developments that have taken place over recent years – changes which have not always filtered through into popular conceptions or understanding of attachment theory, including among practitioners.
This is supported by a glossary of attachment terms.
Alongside these resources are a series of three short films which discuss some key principles of attachment theory, how attachment theory has evolved and how an understanding of contemporary attachment theory and research can inform and strengthen practice.
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
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