Responding to Children in Vulnerable Families Christine Gibson and Helen Francis

The challenge… “The challenge of ending child abuse is the challenge of breaking the link between adults’ problems and children’s pain.” (UNICEF, A League Table of Child Maltreatment Deaths in Rich Nations, 2008)

Adult problems Most parents whose children are involved with child protection services experience at least one of the following: family violence substance misuse mental illness

South Australia In a sample of 99 children first entering care in 2006, parental substance dependence was known in 75 cases. These cases also had much higher incidence of: mental health problems (65.3%) domestic violence (69.3%) homelessness (28%) (Jeffreys, Hirte, Rogers &Wilson, 2009)

COAG National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children a long term national approach to protecting children ( ) promotes an integrated, holistic response to vulnerable children and improved linkages between services and information sharing emphasises assisting families early and involving a range of professionals protecting children is everyone’s responsibility

Strengthening child and family sensitive practice 1.Broadening universal child-focused services eg. child and family health services, early childhood education and care services, primary schools…. 2. Broadening adult-focused services eg. drug and alcohol, corrections, family violence, mental health, disability, homelessness, problem gambling, refugee services….

Child and family sensitive practice ‘Child-friendly’ refers to a child’s direct experience of a service …. toys in a waiting room Child and family sensitive practice refers to how a child is included in assessment processes. It reflects that an understanding of children’s needs is present throughout the organisation

Why child and family sensitive practice? Key risk factors for child abuse and neglect include parental substance misuse, mental illness, homelessness and domestic violence Such adult issues can become the focus of work with families Children’s needs can sometimes get lost

Place-based workforce development In 12 socially-disadvantaged communities across Australia the Australian Centre for Child Protection is working with ‘Communities for Children’ partners Protecting and Nurturing Children: Building Capacity, Building Bridges project

A place-based, community development approach Bringing agencies together creates a better understanding of the role each can play to support children and families. Shared learning can lead to improved practice. Improved relationships can strengthen effective referral pathways.

Child and family sensitive practice workshops 500+ practitioners have completed workshops Participants explore: service providers’roles in relation to vulnerable children the impact of adult problems on children how to talk with parents about parenting

Consider case plans - are they child focused? Collaborate more with other services Be mindful of child sensitive practice in future home visits Continue to put theory into practice Be more child-focused - ask 'how does this feel for your child?' ‘How will you implement child and family sensitive practice?’

Comments ‘I have encountered child protection issues in my work and felt uncomfortable in my role’. ‘This workshop has helped me understand the impact of parental substance misuse and distress on children and I will be more alert to the experiences and needs of such children’. ‘I have been equipped with knowledge and strategies for promoting the welfare of children and monitoring their safety while also providing emotional support to their parents’. ‘I feel more prepared for engaging in difficult conversations with parents about the needs of children’.

Comments ‘Excellent workshop and a great networking opportunity. Will be more aware of the safety and well-being of children and of exploring this more deeply with adult clients’. ‘This workshop has connected my knowledge from disparate training and experience and helped me to link further with outside support organisations. Thank you’.

‘An informative and interesting workshop. Fantastic opportunity for networking. This project is a valuable initiative to respond holistically to parents’ and children’s needs’. ‘There was not a lot of new information but excellent affirmation of things I already knew about. The combination of information shared, small group discussion, role play and reflection was excellent. The networking opportunity was also helpful’. Comments

Practitioners report better connections with other services and help in keeping a focus on the child

… and in sustaining hope that change is possible

References McCaughey, J. et al, (1977) Who Cares? Family Problems, Community Links and Helping Services, Melbourne, Sun Books O’Donnell, M., Scott, D. & Stanley, F. (2008) Child abuse and neglect – is it time for a public health approach? Aust & NZ Journal of Public Health, 32,4, Scott, D, (1992) Reaching vulnerable populations: framework for primary service provision, American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 62,

Christine Gibson & Helen Francis Australian Centre for Child Protection University of South Australia (08) and