British Journal of Social Work (2000) 30, 619-634
© 2000 British Association of Social Workers
Children and young people with a hidden disability: an examination of the social work role
Institute of Social Work and Applied Social Studies, School of Law, Staffordshire University, Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs ST4 2DF, UK
Summary
There has been little research attention paid to the nature and extent of social work intervention with children and young people with invisible impairments. The recent study described here found that children and young people with a hidden and stigmatizing impairment received a social work service which was at a minimal level. The children and young people were affected by physically induced incontinence, and described how they faced an environment which created particular tensions. Their parents concurred with this overall picture and reported unmet needs. Recommendations are made about social services input, but it is recognized that the level of social services intervention available to these families may, in part, be a reflection of a low priority assigned to disabled children generally. It is argued that, although such an assignment is a common picture in recent research about social services provision to disabled children, a change in priorities is needed which recognizes the importance of coherent support to disabled children as a means of improving their environment and thereby reducing families' stress levels and the likelihood of abuse or rejection.