Responding to Self-Harm in Children and Adolescents: A Professional's Guide to Identification, Intervention and Support

Self-harm is a growing problem in children and young people but it can be hard to understand and difficult to recognise. Responding to Self-Harm in Children and Adolescents will help professionals to understand self-harm and respond appropriately. It covers what the risk factors are, including social exclusion, and who is most likely to self-harm. Information on what self-harm is and what causes it, including mental health issues, problems in childhood and trauma, is included. The book also covers how to recognise self-harm and how to immediately respond in an emergency, and different intervention methods are explored. Finally, the author discusses means of support, including how parents and friends can help. This accessible guide provides clear and easily digestible information and practical advice to any professional working with a child or young person who is suspected of, or actually self-harming.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements. Introduction. 1. Understanding Self-harm. 2. Recognising and Treating Self-harm. 3. Early Intervention, Prevention and the Journey to Recovery. 4. Supporting the Self-harming Child. Appendix 1: No Health without Mental Health - A Cross Governmental Outcomes Strategy for People of All Ages. Appendix 2: The Short-Term Physical and Psychological Management and Secondary Prevention of Self-Harm in Primary and Secondary Care Appendix 3: Useful Resources and Organisations. References. Index.

About the Author :
Steven Walker is Head of Child and Adolescent Mental Health at Anglia Ruskin University, UK. He is a registered social worker and psychotherapist and has worked in social care for over 30 years, specialising in child protection and child and adolescent mental health.

Review :
This book suggests theoretical ideas and offers useful guidance that the author hopes will support those working with children who self-harm and ultimately lead to informed, reflective and confident practice... Students and qualified practitioners interested in self-harm or working in this area would benefit from reading this very concise and up to date guide. (...) a very refreshing read into how providing good guidance for professionals on self-harm can result in more positive outcomes for young people... This is a research-rich resource which all professionals will benefit from. This book is targeted at professionals who may encounter, or work with, children and adolescents at risk of self-harming. Walker is an expert in child and adolescent mental health and as a social worker and psychotherapist has had many years of hands on experience... I would not hesitate to recommend this book as it has a lot of useful points and challenges the political system, daring to jump off the fence. This is a surprising monograph, from an "academic" author whose past work on professional development in child and adolescent mental health is admired by many... Responding to Self-Harm in Children and Adolescents is a very personal cri de Coeur by the author, for practitioners across the community to grasp the magnitude of these problems and to take the needs of self-harming young people seriously... perhaps every Head teacher should buy a copy, because statistically they will all have a number of pupils who self-harm? This book is targeted at professionals who may encounter, or work with, children and adolescents at risk of self-harming. Walker is an expert in child and adolescent mental health and as a social worker and psychotherapist has had many years of hands on experience... this book is the ideal starting point, giving the reader an awareness of the hidden signs, how to approach the young person and their family and the different types of help available.