CREATING A FAMILY & WHANAU FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

Working with family and social networks becomes primary to the way in which practitioners work with clients. This approach becomes an essential, as well as a stimulating and rewarding way to effect change. Peer support, mentoring and supervision must be available, and ongoing training in working with groups will need to be encouraged.

Find out about the relevant policies and procedures of the workplace. Some services expect that two practitioners are present in sessions, particularly where there is a large group or sessions occur in the home. Some services expect a gender balance of practitioners. If the workplace does not have any policies and procedures for working with families, or provide adequate support, take the time to work with managers and staff members to remedy this.

Where there is a large family or whanau also consider working with other services and having inter-service relationships or co-working cases with other agencies.

Conditions that Encourage Family Inclusive Practice:

• Recognize the benefits of integrating FIP models into practice.
• Promotion of FIP from a management level, with policies that promote family and whanau inclusion.
• Availability of training, support, supervision and guidelines to develop inclusive practices in a supportive setting.

Working with families, whanau and significant others require environments that:

• are child friendly,
• are comfortable,
• have a friendly atmosphere,
• allow for a ‘cuppa?and something to eat,
• convey welcome, and a valuing of the family’s attendance,
• display an expectation of positive outcome and acknowledgment of different family needs, particularly those of children.

Ideally the service should have a room available that is suitable for the family to use. Other options are to use a family and whanau friendly space within another service or visit the family at home. Safety and confidentiality, counsellor experience, and service expectations will influence these decisions.

Be aware that it may not always be appropriate to eat and drink in the same area that counselling takes place. Make sure an appropriate area is available.

© KINA - Families and Addictions Trust