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PROGRAM GUIDE - American Humane Association

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Honouring the Circle, Connections and Wisdom<br />

Social Worker Role in<br />

Information Sharing<br />

Suzanne Lohrbach,<br />

<strong>American</strong> <strong>Humane</strong> <strong>Association</strong>,<br />

Englewood, Colo., USA<br />

Social workers are expected to share relevant information during an<br />

FGC; however, there has been much discussion and often confusion<br />

around what that information ought to be and how it can best be<br />

presented. Given that the information sharing phase likely represents the<br />

shortest period of time, it is important that the presenting social worker/<br />

supervisor/practitioner be clear and concise about that information<br />

and that it is communicated in terms that are understandable to the<br />

family. Questions must also be responded to so that the family is well<br />

equipped to go into private time to develop a plan/make a decision. This<br />

workshop will include the examination of what “relevant” information<br />

means, how to be direct and straightforward in presenting information,<br />

clear discussion of any non-negotiable items, and response to family<br />

questions. Preparation is the key to a constructive and successful FGC<br />

in terms of the development of workable plans and decision making<br />

specific to child safety and well-being. This institute will address decision<br />

making regarding from whom the statutory agency to have present in<br />

person or to have available by phone given any particular needs around<br />

plan approval/enhancement. There will be opportunities to practice<br />

information sharing and delivery of information that is difficult in nature,<br />

as well as a number of other skills.<br />

Getting Power to Frontline<br />

Workers: The Agency<br />

Contribution to Effective<br />

FGDM Practice<br />

Michael Doolan, <strong>American</strong><br />

<strong>Humane</strong> <strong>Association</strong> Fellow,<br />

Christchurch, New Zealand<br />

FGDM success is predicated on the empowerment of frontline workers<br />

to enter into transparent and flexible negotiation with families about<br />

their issues and their needs. This means that authority and resource<br />

control and allocation must be in the hands of workers, with agencies<br />

providing the guidance and support they need to ensure that families<br />

are able to formulate effective plans for their children. The failure of<br />

agencies to adapt and modify their systems and procedures in order<br />

to promote this new way of working is a barrier to mainstreaming the<br />

practice. This seminar is suitable for managers, service leaders and team<br />

leaders who are in positions of influence and can promote the change or<br />

adaptation of organizational systems and behaviors. In the course of the<br />

day, participants will consider strategies for entrenching the values and<br />

principles underpinning FGC in the policies, procedures, practices and<br />

systems of statutory child welfare agencies. Agency leaders and managers<br />

can make a difference if they have the will to do so.<br />

1 st Canadian Conference for Family Group Conferencing 6

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