A new publication, Understanding Why, seeks to increase knowledge and awareness of the emotional and educational needs of children and young people who have experienced a major loss or trauma early on in their lives.

The booklet, from the National Centre for Excellence in ResidentialChild Care and NCB's Healthy Care Programme, specifically examines theneeds of adopted children and young people and those looked after bylocal authorities.

The booklet gives examples of common behaviours and feelings among thisgroup of children and explains that children who have experiencedinconsistency, neglect, or loss of their main caregiver, may sufferacute physical and emotional distress known as attachment difficulties.Attachment difficulties can affect physical and psychologicalfunctioning, which can be associated with other assessed needs such asattention deficit hyperactivity disorder and dyspraxia.

The booklet aims to help teachers and others in educational settingsrecognise these behaviours and consider how they can help the childachieve their full potential.

- For more information visit www.ncb.org.uk/ncercc, contact GeraldineDrew on 020 7843 6093 or email gdrew@ncb.org.uk.