This presentation focuses on how a child protection worker put the voice of an unborn child in the centre of joint safety planning to successfully engage both of the baby’s parents, their family, the Department and health services.
The Wheatbelt District are very committed to encouraging safety planning for at risk new born babies rather than have them enter the care system. Apart from the fact that children grow happier and healthier within their own safe families of origin, the lack of placements and the distances within the District make for very large obstacles when working towards reunification. If creative work can be undertaken to identify safe and strong family members prior to the baby’s birth, this prevents a whole new generation of children being removed
from their families.
Both parents were refusing to talk to the case worker initially. By using the clear and transparent philosophy provided by Signs of Safety, and working with the professional network at the health service, the Mum agreed to come along to meet with the Department to talk about why everyone was worried.
The baby was born prior to the completion of the planning. Safety planning meetings were held with a growing network, including both maternal and paternal grandparents and both parents. This ultimately led to a good safety plan. The collaborative nature of Pre-Birth Planning and safety planning, together with a very strong commitment from the case manager and Team Leader to this baby being safe with family, encouraged this family, particularly the father, to come together for their newest family member. (Wheatbelt District).
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