Abstract for presentation at Global Social Work 2004

This presentation will examine strategies for supporting families and children to participate in decision making to secure care and protection arrangements when children are considered at risk, through a family decision making model. This approach is highly compatible with social work values and utilises a range of social work skills whilst also calling on workers to learn new approaches. Three key aspects will be discussed: empowerment of family members through provision of information and choices; conflict management and mediation between participants; and facilitation of the child's involvement in a safe way. The skills and strategies utilised in this model have relevance in a range of settings, and form the basis for respectful practice, particularly with less willing clients. The model is based on work done at the Care and Protection Unit in South Australia, which offers family care meetings under the Children's Protection Act 1993. These meetings are an opportunity for parents and other family members to participate in decision making for their children when statutory welfare authorities deem the child/ren to be at risk and are considering an application for a court order. The model has several key elements designed to support families to take responsibility for their children and to ensure the voice of the child is heard in the process. A wide range of family members, support persons and other participants may be invited to attend, family are entitled to deliberate in private time, and the child must be present or represented by a child advocate.