ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the importance of the child’s early years in the light of the growing knowledge about brain development and discusses possible practical applications of research findings to the protection of children. It is important to note that although the first three years of life are of great importance to the child’s later development, continuing and new experiences in childhood and adolescence also influence brain development and there is potential for change even after significant early disadvantage. The chapter focuses on the relationship between the primary caregiver and the young child, this relationship is obviously nested within the family which is, in turn, significantly influenced by the social environment in which the family is located. The child’s attachment organization reflects the strategies which the child develops to deal with fear and discomfort in the light of the mother’s responses and thus reflects the child’s internal working models.
