Can children get the help they want?
By watching the short video below, you will gain a better understanding of the help aspect of the iCAN wheel.
The iCAN framework includes three possible responses to a child.
Some children receive a holistic response that gets to the root of the problem and addresses the abuse or neglect that is the underlying cause.
Some children receive help with their signs and symptoms. For example a child who is violent or has angry outbursts may be offered anger management support relating to that presenting symptom, but not addressing the abuse or neglect.
Unfortunately some children receive no help.
It is important to highlight that a positive experience of help can lead to a child becoming more likely to tell in the future and can increase the likelihood of a child recognising and understanding harmful situations.
Help related to cause
- Understanding a child's behaviour or unhappiness requires a holistic response including consideration of the possibility of abuse or neglect.
- Exploring the cause of behaviour requires on-going support. Counselling is one way of allowing children to work through the effect of their experiences
Help related to symptoms
- Sometimes help is offered if a child's behaviour becomes problematic within the school environment. Such help may include anger management or other support relating to the presenting symptoms
- Help related to symptoms can fail to explore the underlying problems for a child
No help
- Some children may find the help offered unsuitable or inadequate
- Help can be overwhelming if too many professionals become involved and this may result in a child disengaging
- Some older children age out of services and lose the help and support