Resolving the feeding difficulties associated with non‐organic failure to thrive

Summary Since 1991 The Children's Society's Infant Support Project has been working in Wiltshire with the families of under 3 year olds identified as failing to thrive non‐organically. Research has shown that the only common factor in children with this problem is the presence of feeding difficulties. The service concentrates on helping parents/caregivers to resolve the problems which are allowing the difficulties to continue. The multidisciplinary staff team work on a domiciliary basis, using working practices founded on social learning theory. A recent evaluation indicated that for more than two‐thirds of the children with whom the project had worked, a satisfactory or very satisfactory outcome was achieved. Funding for the service is received from the Health Commission for Wiltshire and Bath, Wiltshire Social Services Department and the Children's Society.