Attachment is a technical psychological term with a specific meaning, but it is used an awful lot in care proceedings and other cases about children, including by people who are not psychologists. It doesn’t help that attachment has a meaning in everyday language, which is not the same as the technical meaning – this is a recipe for confusion. Here are some useful materials which help explain the difference :

Attachment theory – the basics, Child Protection Resource

Never use the word ‘attachment’ again, Community Care, August 2016

A quick guide to attachment theory, David Shemmings, Guardian Online, February 2016

Indicators of disorganised attachment in children, David Shemmings, Community Care, January 2011

What is attachment theory – why is it important?, Child Protection Resource