Course director(s): Ian Brockington (Hereforshire, United Kingdom) 14.15 - 17.45, Hilton - Salon Studer

In the field of the psychiatry of motherhood, there is no more important, difficult or neglected problem than the care and custody of children by mothers suffering from mental illness. On the one hand, babies and children undoubtedly suffer when their mothers are severely mentally ill. In extreme cases there may be neglect or fatal assaults. On the other hand, the removal of an infant because of psychiatric illness is an appalling tragedy for the mother. In the diversity of Europe, with over 40 sovereign nations, each with its own traditions, laws and child protection systems, we have an opportunity to share ideas on how this problem can be addressed. We need to consider the principles, maternal psychialric disorders, outcomes for the child, assessment procedures and legal arrangements. The Course will start with a brief introductory lecture, followed by two sets of parallel small group discussions, based on actual cases. These will be followed by reports from the small groups and feedback on the outcome. The Course will end with general discussion.