Neglect Focus on positive outcomes for the child and the family; the use of easy to understand language such as will’ statements encourages parents to feel ‘I empowered and offers assurances that they have understood what is being asked of them, this is particularly important for those parents who have a learning disability Consider the wider family; involving grandparents, aunts and uncles and other family members encourages contribution to a child plan and helps them to be kept informed of any developments. This helps to ensure that support can be offered on a consistent basis Consider the of those parents or carers who do Introduction not reside with the child, ensuring information is This briefing has been compiled using the learning from shared particularly for those parents who are in prison learning reviews undertaken by Staffordshire Maintain a level of professional curiosity when Safeguarding Children Board during 2012/13. working with families and beware of disguised compliance. This occurs when parents want to draw The following information provides a range of tips’ for ‘top the professional’s attention away from allegations of practitioners and managers to consider when working with harm and can make it difficult for practitioners to children and families particularly where those cases are maintain an objective view of progress in safeguarding complex and where parents are resistant and challenging. the welfare of a child (Brandon et al, 2008). Recognise the additional vulnerability factors of parents. Using a genogram, eco map or a family tree helps practitioners to understand who is involved
Introduction This briefing has been compiled using the learning from learning reviews undertaken by Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Board during 2012/13. The following information provides a range of ‘top tips’ for practitioners and managers to consider when working with children and families particularly where those cases are complex and where parents are resistant and challenging. Neglect Focus on positive outcomes for the child and the family; the use of easy to understand language such as ‘I will’ statements encourages parents to feel empowered and offers assurances that they have understood what is being asked of them, this is particularly important for those parents who have a learning disability Consider the wider family; involving grandparents, aunts and uncles and other family members encourages contribution to a child plan and helps them to be kept informed of any developments. This helps to ensure that support can be offered on a consistent basis Consider the of those parents or carers who do not reside with the child, ensuring information is shared particularly for those parents who are in prison Maintain a level of professional curiosity when working with families and beware of disguised compliance. This occurs when parents want to draw the professional’s attention away from allegations of harm and can make it difficult for practitioners to maintain an objective view of progress in safeguarding the welfare of a child (Brandon et al, 2008). Recognise the additional vulnerability factors of parents. Using a genogram, eco map or a family tree helps practitioners to understand who is involved