DAFT NVR Conference 15th Nov 2019

Presence in the face of adversity This presentation will explore how professionals, systems and family members can hinder and support parental presence. We will be asking volunteers to help us to develop a live sculpt to illustrate the ideas.

The Family Jenna Mum June Grandma Chris Son 15 Tim Son 10 Julie Daughter 10

The Network MAT Worker Social Worker Safeguarding Conference Lead Adult Psychiatrist GP Family Therapy Team (5) CAMHS Care Coordinator Child Psychiatrist School Staff (10) Community Police Officer

Safeguarding and Children in Need Concerns Violence from Chris Exploitation of Chris Chris absconding Stealing by Chris Mum’s physical and emotional health Emotional concerns Physical care concerns (Home conditions) Educational Concerns

What we did together De-escalation Increase parental presence Baskets Encourage acts of kindness Enable announcements Strengthened supporters

Safe Guarding Conferences

Making an Announcement What you appreciate and admire Your commitment to and care for them Reconciliation and apology Statement of what is unacceptable Naming of supporters

Jenna’s announcement to self

Owning Difference & Change

Jenna’s Letter

FT team member response Dear Jenna, I just read your letter and I cried, it is so beautifully written and gives a real sense of the pressures of raising a family with these added complexities, you have done such an amazing job, I feel so proud of you and will always remember your children’s glowing faces as they told us about all the new things they had noticed. You should be very proud of yourself. Frame it, read it when it gets tricky again and remember just how far you have come. P.S you could write a book you know, you have a lovely writing style

Jenna’s Presence “I used to get frustrated when Gary would point out that I was the only one that could change my family. I would get frustrated that there was always a pressing matter that needed addressing so the kids didn’t attend family therapy sessions. Now I see that for my family, I really was the one that needed to look at things differently. I needed to accept that I couldn’t change my children, but I could change my response and being more positive and clearer is changing the way they see things now too”.

Actions: Thoughts: Feelings Discussion & Feedback What are you going to take with you from hearing about Jenna and her family and supporters? Actions: Thoughts: Feelings