care

A decision about what? Before we launch off, let’s refine that question a bit.

There is often reporting in the press of children trying to juggle the needs of both parents after a marriage breakdown. Yes, you heard right – the children often do the juggling – emotions, loyalty, sheer tiredness, change of homes. Unfortunately the decision often seems to pay little regard to what the children want. ‘But they are children’, you say? ‘They are too young to know what’s best for them’.

The family circumstances may have changed, but often the adults cling ferociously to their rights and their status. It is behind many custody battles in the courts, and sometimes an objective reading of it shows clearly that the child is coming off worst.

Dealing with expectations is not uncommon in dealing with birth families.

Imagine, just for a moment, that every government department you deal with can access information about you. Scary? Maybe for adults and of course there are privacy issues to deal with. We don't need Big Brother leaning over our shoulder.

But there is a vulnerable group that could well do with this kind of monitoring. Children at risk. How many stories reach the media of children who simply drop off the radar?