Collaborative, multi-agency work has been underway to develop a model for the delivery of child protection case conferences based around the SOS approach. One of the ELC team was the recipient of the ADSW Kay Carmichael Travel Award 2012. She visited Western Australia to explore their progress in the SOS approach and attended an International Conference. This workshop will be an opportunity to share some of the learning from this visit and to discuss how East Lothian is taking the approach forward. There will be an opportunity for attendees to experience a “Mapping Meeting” – a Case Discussion based on the Signs of Safety Approach. Contributor: East Lothian Council
Signs of Safety (SOS) Approach for child protection work (WS51)
1. The Signs of Safety approach
to Child Protection
Anne Beattie – Senior Practitioner (East Lothian Council)
abeattie@eastlothian.gov.uk
Marion Wood – Service Manager (East Lothian Council)
2. Outline of session...
Introduction
Signs of Safety
Mapping Meeting
Time for Questions
Next Steps
4. Where did it all start and what
does it involve?
Developed in Oz by Edwards &
Turnell
Solution-focused & strengths-based
Safety Plan
5. The 3 Core Principles:
Working relationships ― partnership
Munro’s maxim: The single most important
factor in minimising errors (in child
protection practice) is to admit that you
may be wrong. (Munro 2008:125)
No to a ‘command and control’ approach
6. Mapping meetings
The aim of a Signs of Safety meeting is...
collaboration and future protection of
the child. The Signs of Safety model
does not require families to admit
issues, but instead to set out how they
will ensure the safety of the child in the
future.
Marion – brief introduction (3 mins) What ’s happening in East Lothian – background etc Anne – brief intro to the approach and trip – talking through slides Marion – Why we saw a need for change within the current CP process – feedback from service users / professionals
Intro from Marion – overview of hour session
Anne – winning the award and gaining the experience
Developed in the 90s by Steve Edwards and Andrew Turnell in collaboration with front line practitioners – a constantly evolving approach, now used in 12 countries including England Signs of Safety – solution focussed, strengths based Designed to create a Shared focus among all stakeholders in child protection cases – professionals and family “ Completing the Signs of Safety assessment framework is, in the end, simply a process of creating a map of the circumstances surrounding a vulnerable child. As with all maps, the Signs of Safety map needs always to be seen as a mechanism to arrive at a destination. That destination is rigorous, sustainable, everyday child safety in the actual home and places in which the child lives. ” Turnell 2012 SoS comprehensive briefing paper April 2012
Between professionals and between family and professionals No to command & control approach which alienates front line practitioners. Signs of Safety has been developed hand in hand with practitioners – result – more rigour, more skilfulness and greater depth.