The evolving use of Mentalization informed thinking with the ‘Care Team’ in the Irish statutory child protection system

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article articulates the development of a novel form of service provision in Ireland directed at supporting Foster placements and Social Work practice with the aim of adverting placement breakdown. Within The Attachment & Mentalization Service model emphasis is placed on supporting the Care Team (i.e. Social Workers, Foster Parents) around children in care in Ireland with the ultimate aim of providing a depth of understanding that is commensurate with the level of relational difficulty experienced by children in care. The service model is underpinned by evidenced informed thinking relating to the knowledge bases of Mentalization, Reflective Functioning, and Alan Schore’s articulation of Co-regulation. Privilege of space is provided to the illumination of the theory of Mentalization and Reflective Functioning with Co-regulation and psychoanalytical concepts of projection and containment also be highlighted. To aid the reader’s digestion of the material a simple, everyday case example is provided.