NSPCC Learning has published resources on the use of the term ‘disguised compliance’ and the implications for practice.

The blog explores why the term can be misleading, unhelpful and blaming. It highlights how professionals should more clearly describe caregiver behaviour, build relationships with families and assess caregiver capacity to change.
 
The Learning from case reviews briefing is based on a sample of reviews published between 2022 and 2023 where ‘disguised compliance’ was mentioned as a factor. It highlights that: ‘disguised compliance’ is used by professionals to describe a range of caregiver behaviours; concerns about caregiver engagement can divert attention away from the child’s wellbeing; and professionals should work together to better understand a family’s situation.