Families, Family systems and Child well-being over time

Objective: This presentation will look at traditional views of family systems in child protection and propose a new model that considers family strengths across the family system where kin are recognized as vital to the long... [ view full abstract ]

Objective: This presentation will look at traditional views of family systems in child protection and propose a new model that considers family strengths across the family system where kin are recognized as vital to the long term identity of the child.
Families have reported feeling disconnected and overwhelmed particularly when children are placed away from their parents. Often, extended family are under utilized as support to the children. Providing timely and responsive kinship and biological family support while mitigating the relationship and conflicts between the biological parents and their relatives holds promise for improved outcomes for children. By connecting kin through the provision of individualized training that meets provincial and regional requirements, the development of Parenting & Developmental Support Plans, the development of functional safety networks and family mediation and counselling, long term outcomes for child safety and well being can be realized.

This presentation will provide an overview of the work with an initial exploration of 10 family constellations. It will identify the underpinnings of family systems theory and intervention designed to improve family dynamics, communication and cooperation between bio and kin families in the interest of long term support to the child where children have been removed from their parents and are living with kin.
While the program is in its preliminary stages, bio and kin families report improvements in their working relationship to support the child. Program staff report greater understanding of the long term potential of the family constellation to support the child and the willingness of families to address conflict while learning to work together in putting the child first. This work represents an innovation in the provision of kinship supports.
Conclusions: A focus on addressing the relationship between bio and kin families has potential to improve long term outcomes for children.