Some families lives are extremely complex, with multiple needs and risk factors. These families are often described as “chaotic” households.

The more complex the needs and circumstances, the greater the risk to the children. There is however one particular combination of risks that is particularly dangerous. We rerer to it as the “Trilogy of Risk Factors”.

The Trilogy of Risk factors is:

• Parental substance misuse (Drugs or alcohol)
• Domestic Abuse (violence)in the household
• Parental mental ill-health or parents with Learning Disabilities

Case reviews have highlighted the need for practitioners to understand that risk increases as complexity increases and that when the Trilogy of Risk Factors is identified, the risks must be effectively managed through effective multiagency working.