Families appreciating the simplicity

"Recently I planned for my first two care and protection FGCs.  In preparation I presented information to the family using the Assessment Triangle and also used the Three Houses to help identify the areas we would work on.  The tools were simple to use and effective.

I introduced the Assessment Triangle to the family as a way of helping them understand the information I had gathered.  I highlighted the areas I believed they were strong in, as well as the areas needing addressing within the FGC.  I also shared with them a prepared enlarged version of the Three Houses with my perceptions of the family's strengths, vulnerabilities and dreams.  In turn, I gave each of the family members a blank Three Houses template and asked them to also share their views on the family's strengths, vulnerabilities and dreams.

I asked the family to ensure they used the children's language and ideas even if the children's dreams included living at Disneyland.  After all, the conference is for the children and it is their opportunity to have their say without having to hurt anyone's feelings or worry about saying something in front of the family that they might not like.

The family appreciated the simplicity of the tools and were pleased they could express themselves on paper rather than exposing themselves verbally in front of others. The tools offered them a point of reference which they used throughout the FGC process. The children's mother said that the preparation allowed her to better understand what was expected of her and what needed to happen in order for the children to be safe.  Using the tools as preparation also enabled the children's mother to remember and express everything she wanted to say in the FGC.

The children said the Three Houses helped them say what they wanted to say without hurting anyone's feelings or blaming them. They felt safe to write things down and for me to read their strengths, vulnerabilities and dreams to the family during the FGC.  One child said she was happy her family were able to plan the future instead of fighting in the FGC.

The practice tools proved valuable for strengthening my understanding of the family and developing a good relationship with them.  From the family's perspective they helped clarify the areas needing attention.  The tools ensured that the voices of the children were expressed through the FGC process and helped us develop a strong plan".