ABSTRACT
This chapter explores mothers' help-seeking behaviour to draw out some implications for identifying risk factors for their children. It traces the inherent tensions in understanding the conflicts for mothers balanced against the safety and long term emotional needs of their children. There is an uneasy position to grapple with, namely that some mothers' decisions may indeed unwittingly leave some black children exposed to further harm. Undoubtedly, the question of silence raises concerns about actual and potential risks to children's future safety needs. Ultimately, intervention that facilitates mothers using their own strengths and experiences to find solutions to their situations is potentially more empowering for them and their children. There is evidence from the data to show mothers responding empathically to their children but not receiving a supportive service from the helping professionals. A major challenge lies in asking the difficult and complex questions about the impact of race and gender in shaping choices, helping-seeking and help-giving.
