Report backs 'less able' parents

The report calls for better training of agency officials

Parents with learning difficulties are having their children taken away from them without proper alternatives being considered, a report has said.

Agencies would be better served taking a more positive approach, the Bristol University study suggested.

Parenting classes could be offered in such situations and officials need better training, it said.

If such help was offered, the report said that these parents would not have to lose their children.

Practical help

It is increasingly common for people with learning difficulties to have children.

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However, researchers found that in 50% of cases children were being taken from their natural parents.

However, the report's authors believe many of these parents could look after their children perfectly well if they had been offered practical help.