Introduction

Together with a colleague, Susie Essex (associate consultant), they were responsible for developing a unique service in Bristol between 1992-2000 called Resolutions. Resolutions set out specifically to work with families who were in denial or in dispute with the child care authorities, the so-called ‘untreatable families’. Resolutions gained considerable respect among both the social work and legal professions for its ability to move on situations that had become ‘stuck’ before the Courts for many months, even years. Follow up research was undertaken with families that had used the Resolutions service (Gumbleton 1997). Whilst this study was not large enough to be statistically conclusive‚ the results are very encouraging and indicate very low re-abuse rates in comparison to other studies, making the option of rehabilitation much more attractive. Further research with families worked with in our private practice was undertaken in 2002 under the auspices of the University of Bristol.

Resolutions Child Protection Consultancy specialises in offering expert opinion in complex childcare cases before the Court. We have many years experience working with families regarding the possible rehabilitation of children who may have been removed from their home due to child protection concerns. In particular we are able to offer an opinion in situations where children have suffered abuse but where the child’s carers deny responsibility. Our experience is that although denial can be a significant risk factor, it does not necessarily rule out rehabilitation. We can also advise on contact with, or the return home of, a carer who is deemed to pose a risk to children.

The two primary consultants are John Gumbleton and Colin Luger who both have over twenty years experience in child protection.