Parent and carers are invited to attend a conference that will address the topic of attachment difficulties in children. Dave Colley, School Improvement Adviser for Special Educational Needs with the Department of Education and Children, explained: ‘Attachment theory was developed by John Bowlby in the 1950s and emphasises the importance of a “significant other” in the life of a child. ‘Where an infant has access to a warm, reciprocal relationship, healthy development will follow. The child will learn that he/she is of value and that adults are likely to be safe and helpful. Where a child has not had access to this kind of early relationship (through being placed in care or for other reasons), attachment difficulties can occur. ‘This leads the child to be distrustful of adults and to behave in ways that are challenging or out of control. Current neuroscience research supports the claims of attachment theory. Neuroimaging shows that where a child has suffered trauma or neglect, the brain develops in a different way. Central to healthy brain development is the child's sense of safety, of belonging and of joy.’ The conference – ‘Inside I’m Hurting’ – is the first event to be staged by Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (SEBD) Isle of Man, a multi-agency network of professionals that includes the DEC, the Youth Justice Team, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and the Isle of Man Adoption Service. ‘By working together, SEBD IoM hopes to improve the consistency of support on offer to children and families across the Island,’ said Mr Colley. The conference takes place at the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club on Friday 1 July and will have a focus on managing attachment difficulties in the home and at school. The conference leader is Louise Bomber, an attachment support teacher, therapist and author based in the UK. The conference will be introduced by DEC member and Isle of Man Government Children’s Champion Dudley Butt MLC and is aimed at both the range of professionals working with children with attachment difficulties and their parents/carers. ‘A key aim of the day is to bring professionals together with parents/carers to reflect on mutual experiences and shared approaches when supporting children with attachment difficulties in different settings,’ Mr Colley said. Places at the conference are ?15 for carers/families and ?45 for professionals. There are just 50 places. Bookings can be made by contacting the DEC’s Professional Development Centre on 693830 or emailing cpdbookings@doe.sch.im Meanwhile, the Department’s secondary schools will work with CAMHS over a project to brighten up its building on the Noble’s Hospital site. Following a school assembly led by CAMHS’ staff, students from each school will produce works of art around the theme of ‘Good to be me’. The artwork will be displayed at Noble’s Hospital in September 2011 and will then be used to enhance the interior and exterior of the CAMHS building. Ends