“What Works In Child Protection” Project A Practice Framework for Intensive Home-Based Family Support Programs at The Benevolent Society

‘What Works in Child Protection’ Project Development of a practice framework to guide The Benevolent Society’s Intensive home-based family support programs for children and families at risk of abuse and neglect Background Framework Development Application of Framework

‘What works In Child Protection’ Project Aim Develop a specialised practice framework for the Benevolent Society’s intensive home based family support programs which is evidence-based, and designed to ensure children are safe from maltreatment and receiving adequate care in their families

Project Partners The Benevolent Society Provides a range of programs supporting over 17,000 children, families and older Australians in NSW and QLD. Australian Centre for Child Protection Focus on building evidence base to support best practice care for high-risk children and families

Population & Programs Child(ren) who are at high risk of abuse or neglect, or have been abused/neglected and are at risk of re-abuse Benevolent Society’s home based family support, preservation and reunification programs Protect Children to Ensure safety and Adequate care Image courtesy of nts.html

Developing the Framework: Resilience-Led Approach

Child Indicators- “Adequate Care” SAFETYSECURE & STABLE RELATIONSHIPSCOPING SKILLS Child is free from physical abuse and sexual abuse and is not exposed to DV Child is making progress to achieve developmental milestones (growth, cognition) Child receives adequate physical care (nutrition, hygiene, appropriate clothing) Child receives adequate parental supervision Child is enrolled and engaged in school/preschool/early childhood education and care Child’s medical needs are met (doctors, dental) Child’s mental health needs are met (access to mental health support) Child’s home environment is safe, hygienic and free from hazards Child resides in stable housing Child experiences consistent parenting Child experiences emotionally responsive and nurturing parenting Child experiences developmentally appropriate expectations Child has increased peer and social supports Child’s relationships with siblings are improved Child is engaged in school and has developed positive peer relationships Child is connected to community services Child has opportunity and support to process traumatic events Child has developed techniques to manage stress and emotional regulation Child has developed more adaptive coping skills

Parent/Caregiver Indicators- “Adequate” Parenting SAFETYSECURE & STABLE RELATIONSHIPS An explicit Safety plan in place which addresses (parental issues (MH, DV, AOD) Parent can respond to child’s physical and mental health care needs (access services) Provide stable, safe, hygienic Home environment Adequate Supervision Manage household resources Provide adequate Physical care (nutrition, clothing, hygiene) Provide developmentally appropriate nurturing Increased ability to manage own mental health, AOD issues Develop adequate coping skills to manage stress/emotional regulation Develop adequate self-care skills Increased self confidence and capacity for change Ensure school attendance Interact with child at developmentally appropriate level Developmentally appropriate expectations Respond with sensitivity to child’s needs Provide Consistent parenting Utilise Understand adopt non-coercive parenting strategies Understand impact of trauma on child’s behaviour and well being Connected to social supports in family community -develops Increased self confidence and self-efficacy to access community resources Parent facilitates opportunities for peer/social interaction

Developing the Framework: Evidence-Based Practice

Finding the Evidence ACCP Literature review of evidence based programs and interventions for children and families at risk Identified 13 empirically supported programs and interventions which ‘worked’

Programs & Interventions that “Worked” Multi-disciplinary-social work/psychology/nursing General Parenting programs Specialised family support programs for at-risk families Variety of approaches (cognitive- behavioural, Attachment)

Critical Practice components -Examples Developing a safety plan Providing/coordinating concrete needs and resources (food, housing, $) Parent education & skills training (childcare, nutrition, safety, hygiene) Parenting skills-behaviour management, managing stress, enhance parent-child attachment Facilitating social support networks

Applying the Framework: Practice Activities & Skills

Linking Practice Activities to Skills OUTCOME: SAFETY Critical Components of Evidence Based Practice Practice ActivitiesPractice Guide/Resources Practitioner works collaboratively with family to develop a Safety plan  Engagement with parent who are reluctant to engage  Engagement with Caregiver (Practice Wise Guide)  Motivational Interviewing Techniques (ACCP practice guide)  Communicating with parents: the basics (RCN worker resource)  Teach parents generic problem solving skills that can be applied to different situations  Problem Solving (for adult and family) (PRC Practice Guide)  Develop and implement a Safety Plan with the parent which explicitly outlines immediate safety issues which must be addressed (MH, AOD, DV disability), and set goals for the intervention  Developing a Safety Plan (ACCP practice guide)  Key questions to ask parents/carers/partners (COPMI worker resource, for assessing parental mental health concerns

Practice Guides & Resources Parenting Research Centre Goal focussed Instructional format Parent/child worksheets Encorporate several practices ACCP developed guides Raising Children Network COPMI website

Applying the Practice Framework Supports worker’s experience and skill An evidence-based framework to guide interventions Implementation is the next step Flexibility and clinical judgement/skill to determine which practice elements required

Greg Antcliff – The Benevolent Society Marie Iannos Australian Centre for Child Protection University of South Australia (08) Image source: Istockphoto

Programs & Interventions that “worked” Attachment Interventions Abuse-Focussed Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Child Parent Psychotherapy Early Start Program Family Connections Program Home Builders Program Incredible Years Program Motivational Interviewing Nurse-Family Partnership home-visiting program Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Triple P Parenting Program Parents Under Pressure Program Project SafeCare

References Daniel, B., Burgess, C. & Antcliff, G. ( 2012). Resilience Practice Framework. The Benevolent Society, Australia Daniel, B. & Wassell, S. (2002). The Early Years: Assessing and Promoting Resilience in Vulnerable Children. Jessica Kinglsey Publisher. United Kingdom.

Project Team The Benevolent Society Greg Antcliff - Senior Manager, Research to Practice Jenni Hutchins - Senior Manager Australian Centre for Child Protection Assoc. Prof Leah Bromfield - Deputy Director Prof Marianne Berry - Director ( ) Dr Sara McLean- Research Fellow Marie Iannos- Research Assistant