rent(s) have a personality disorder, but there is doubt as to whether a clear medical condition exists, use the category family dysfunction. A3.3 Possible sub-categories to help define main category • children whose parent(s) are diagnosed alcoholics; • children whose parent(s) are diagnosed drug-takers; • children with acutely ill parent(s) (short-term); • children being cared for by parent(s) with learning disabilities; • children being cared for by a chronically disabled parent or parents (mental or physical disability), but who are not taking responsibility for the parent(s); • children assuming caring responsibility for chronically ill or disabled parent(s) (mental or physical). 59 A4. Family in acute stress (code ‘N4’) A4.1 Definition Children whose needs arise from living in a family that is going through a temporary crisis that diminishes the parental capacity to adequately meet some of the children’s needs. A4.2 Guide to inclusion or exclusion from this category This category encompasses families that are in difficulty but where the basic positive relationship between the parent(s) and their children is not in question. This includes families where the parenting capacity is normally good enough but they face circumstances, factors, or events that undermine that capacity. This would include events such as: • upheaval in family relationships; • loss of employment; • reduced income; • adverse housing; • loss of amenities important to the care of children; • the death of a parent or other family member. It includes the sporadic needs of children that arise out of living in socially isolated or poorly resourced communities. It includes a single parent who generally manages fine but occasionally needs additional help. It includes families that generally function adeq