FAMILY AND CHILD PUBLIC HEALTH - A STRENGTH BASED

APPROACH TO PRACTICE.

Parenting perspective

Chris Gordon 3.1.12

OBJECTIVES: Understand the strength based

approach in relation to support for the family

Consider the application of this approach in regard to parenting

Introduce the concept of positive parenting programmes

STRENGTHS BASED APPROACH

The central value is the client as the expert in regards to their own life, focus on their strengths

It promotes collaboration and encourages that we take a holistic view of the client and their family

It recognises the power of optimism on our part and the clients’

It challenges us to reflect on the subtle ways our attitude/language enables or disempowers

It draws our attention to the client’s resources in their formal and informal networks

In what situations may we find this approach unviable?

THE FAMILY Look at the strengths of the individual

What assets do they have?

What has helped them cope so far?

Is there family or community support?

What about other resources: religion, ethnic community, activities, friends and family

MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING

What is it? A collaborative conversation which

strengthens motivation & commitment to change

Why would it be used? It is person centred and goal oriented.

It is communication which uses the “language of change”

MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING

Expressing empathy – convey an understanding of the client’s situation

Avoid argument – challenging the client is counterproductive

Supporting self efficacy – what may have occurred in the past is not inevitably going to occur again

MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING- HELPS PROVIDE CLARITY TO A SITUATION

Alternative thinking – offer ideas to help them but not create resistance

Identifying opportunities – to help the client move on from where they are

PARENTING PERSPECTIVE Positive parenting is grounded in the

scientific study of healthy development

Instead of focusing on what’s wrong with children, positive, strength-based approach to parenting focuses on what’s right with children and their parents

The research focus is shifting and beginning to examine what makes a family strong

KEY ASPECTS OF FAMILY STRENGTHS

Family support Positive family communication The asset framework http://

www.search-institute.org/system/files/40AssetsList.pdf

Strong families are part of strong communities, and strong communities typically foster strong families

TRIPLE PPOSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAMME http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5g20nXqU68&feature=related

Triple P is an evidence-based parenting program founded on over 30 years of clinical and empirical research.

Triple P is a parenting and family support strategy that aims to prevent severe behavioural, emotional and developmental problems in children by enhancing the knowledge, skills and confidence of parents.

DRIVING MUM MADJAMIE PART 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ACcywo2980&feature=related

DRIVING MUM MADJAMIE PART 2 http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGM8Xm-hzsw&feature=related

DRIVING MUM AND DAD MADTHOMAS http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WlyIKHNRqE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuinpGZb4_A&feature=related

REFERENCES: Brun, C. and Rapp, R. (2001). Strengths-Based Case Management:

Individuals’ Perspectives on Strengths and the Case Manager Relationship. Social Work. Vol 6, Issue 3, p278-288.

Editorial (2007). Perspective analysis: McKnight’s Careless Society and the Strengths Based Approach. Social Work. Vol 52, Issue 3, p257-277.

Healey, K. (2005). Social Work Theories in Context: Creating Frameworks for Practice. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.

McKnight, J. (1995). Careless Society and the Strengths Based Approach to Social Work. New York, Basic Books.

Saleeby, D. (2008). The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice. 5th Edition. London, Pearson Education.

Search Institute (1997). 40 Developmental Assets for adolescents (ages 12-18). http://www.search-institute.org/system/files/40AssetsList.pdf Accessed 2.1.12