PROGRAM GUIDE - American Humane Association

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Honouring the Circle, Connections and Wisdom Social Worker Role in Information Sharing Suzanne Lohrbach, American Humane Association, Englewood, Colo., USA Social workers are expected to share relevant information during an FGC; however, there has been much discussion and often confusion around what that information ought to be and how it can best be presented. Given that the information sharing phase likely represents the shortest period of time, it is important that the presenting social worker/ supervisor/practitioner be clear and concise about that information and that it is communicated in terms that are understandable to the family. Questions must also be responded to so that the family is well equipped to go into private time to develop a plan/make a decision. This workshop will include the examination of what “relevant” information means, how to be direct and straightforward in presenting information, clear discussion of any non-negotiable items, and response to family questions. Preparation is the key to a constructive and successful FGC in terms of the development of workable plans and decision making specific to child safety and well-being. This institute will address decision making regarding from whom the statutory agency to have present in person or to have available by phone given any particular needs around plan approval/enhancement. There will be opportunities to practice information sharing and delivery of information that is difficult in nature, as well as a number of other skills. Getting Power to Frontline Workers: The Agency Contribution to Effective FGDM Practice Michael Doolan, American Humane Association Fellow, Christchurch, New Zealand FGDM success is predicated on the empowerment of frontline workers to enter into transparent and flexible negotiation with families about their issues and their needs. This means that authority and resource control and allocation must be in the hands of workers, with agencies providing the guidance and support they need to ensure that families are able to formulate effective plans for their children. The failure of agencies to adapt and modify their systems and procedures in order to promote this new way of working is a barrier to mainstreaming the practice. This seminar is suitable for managers, service leaders and team leaders who are in positions of influence and can promote the change or adaptation of organizational systems and behaviors. In the course of the day, participants will consider strategies for entrenching the values and principles underpinning FGC in the policies, procedures, practices and systems of statutory child welfare agencies. Agency leaders and managers can make a difference if they have the will to do so. 1 st Canadian Conference for Family Group Conferencing 6
Honouring the Circle, Connections and Wisdom How do we maintain FGC principles/values in our practice? Daniel Bogue, The George Hull Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada and Gale Burford, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vt. FGC practice in child welfare is paradoxical. Building relational safety and permanency for children depends on responsively engaging the family’s culture and strengths, including their leadership, while at the same time holding true to the principles and values that underwrite the practice. On one hand, this requires a high level of consensus and ongoing renewal of the principles and values among FGC coordinators and participating professionals including child welfare professionals, mental health professionals, educators, legal professionals and police officers, substitute care providers, supervisors, administrators and those who work to align policy and practice. This requires ongoing education for new hires and renewal to hold the practice accountable to those most affected. As experienced practitioners, educators and learners, we develop all kinds of micro practices that become habitual even those that have grown from our own accumulated skills, knowledges — even our successes — that we develop over the years. How do we stay ‘fresh’ and focus on what ‘can be’ in each engagement; safeguard against the habitual practices appropriating the fundamental FGC value base; and avoid becoming institutionalized in new forms of disempowerment or even “oppressive” practices? Building from “best stories” approach, the workshop leaders will guide an inquiry to learning and discovery that explores known conundrums (and others that come forward during the workshop.) Participants will learn from one another and develop plans to take back to their places of work that address renewal and accountability for themselves, their colleagues and workplaces. 1 st Canadian Conference for Family Group Conferencing 7
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PROGRAM GUIDE - American Humane Association

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