Resolutions

Between the commencement of the work and the child’s return the nature of the parents’ contact begins to change and they gradually spend increasing amounts of time with the child. Should this go well some of the supervision might be taken over from professionals by members of the support network. We then introduce short periods when one or both carers are with the child unsupervised. These small increases in contact are constantly monitored and integrated into the therapeutic work. Finally, the child has overnight stays with the parents prior to a full return home. N.B. This is a general overview of the rehabilitation process and may differ from case to case as each plan is tailored to the child’s and parents’ specific situation.

Sessions primarily involve parents, but some will include members of their support network. We also invite other professionals to attend, especially the Local Authority social worker and the Children’s Guardian if the matter is still before the Court. It must be stressed that beginning the programme does not automatically lead to children returning home. Progress is assessed throughout the programme and should further concern arise at any point it is possible to halt the process and, if necessary, terminate the work.

A Resolutions programme typically takes place over a period of approximately five months, with the children usually returning home after three and a half months, providing all goes well. The programme continues for six to eight weeks after the children’s return to help monitor progress and consolidate the changes made.

Resolutions uses a collaborative family therapy approach and places emphasis on professionals, parents and the wider family system working in partnership to construct additional safety around children. During the work the child protection concerns are addressed via a technique called the “similar but different family”. This involves co-constructing a hypothetical family with the parents and possibly members of their support network. In this hypothetical scenario one or more of the pretend children will have sustained injuries of a similar level of seriousness to the real children. The perspectives of the various pretend family members are then explored to facilitate open discussion of child protection issues. This enables carers and other family members to gain a different perspective of their situation and to entertain a wider range of explanations as to how their child may have sustained their injuries.

Children are given an age-appropriate explanation of their situation and the concerns, if of sufficient understanding. This is done with the child’s carers using words, pictures and playpeople. Consideration is also given to how family life will need to change in the light of the child protection concerns and any finding of the Court. Detailed family safety guidelines are drawn up with the family and Local Authority outlining the roles and responsibilities of the parents, extended family members and professionals. Areas of stress that the parents might experience in their daily lives are examined, especially with regard to the care of the children. Communication issues are addressed, including the parent’s relationship with the child, with each other, with extended family members and with professionals.