Case study

Chantelle is an assertive, articulate woman. She is 30 and has a 15 year old daughter, Rianna and two sons; Danny, who is 7 years old and Zidane, who is 15 months old. They rent a three bedroomed house. The three children have different fathers that are all regularly involved in their children's lives, but none of the fathers live in the family home. Chantelle has financial support from each of them and is flexible with specific contact arrangements.

Upon arrival for the visit Rianna is at home texting on her phone and babysitting Zidane. You see Zidane pulling himself up on the furniture, and babbling to himself as he picks up a toy brick to chew. Danny is at school.

When Chantelle arrives a few minutes later, Zidane goes straight to Chantelle and grabs her legs. She picks him up; he squirms, holds his arms up straight, arches his back and squeals. As Chantelle puts him down, Rianna says "Right, I'm off. Do you want anything?" Chantelle gives her some money and says "What time are you back?" Rianna shrugs her shoulders, gives the baby a kiss and goes off, still texting on her phone.

As Rianna leaves the house Zidane cries and attempts to follow her. Chantelle appears not to notice this until you ask Chantelle if Zidane is OK, at which point Chantelle reaches to pick up Zidane who sits on her knee, but continues to cry.