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Family participation in child protection practice: an observational study of family group meetings.

Authors :
Healy, Karen
Darlington, Yvonne
Yellowlees, Josephine
Source :
Child & Family Social Work; Feb2012, Vol. 17 Issue 1, p1-12, 12p
Publication Year :
2012

Abstract

ABSTRACT Over the past two decades, child protection authorities internationally have begun to implement models of family participation in child protection decision-making. Debate exists about the extent to which these models promote family involvement in decision-making. While a significant body of research on family and professional experience and perceptions of models of family participation in decision-making has emerged, there has been little observational research of these approaches. In this paper, we report on observational data from 11 family group meetings (FGMs) in a child protection context in Queensland, Australia. Under Queensland child protection law, these meetings are referred to as an inclusive process for child protection decision-making and planning. We draw on observational data to analyse how family inclusion in child protection decision-making is facilitated, or limited, by the FGM process. We consider tensions in the realization of a participatory ethos in child protection services systems and discuss what practitioners can practically do to enhance family participation in child protection decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
13567500
Volume :
17
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Child & Family Social Work
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
70164754
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2206.2011.00767.x