FAMILY INCLUSIVE PRACTICE SKILLS AND ASSESSMENT TOOLS
Practical Links and Useful Downloads

There are a number of key issues that need to be considered when working with families. Download each of these to use, and refer to, in your work, and as a resource for clinical discussion among colleagues, staff, and clients.

Clinical Safety Issues 
In some situations the maintenance of safety becomes the primary issue and may preclude the involvement of significant others and family or require careful management to protect people.

Establishing Initial Contact and Beginning the Session 
At the point of receiving a referral, and before making contact, consider those people involved with the client and possibly affected by their drug and alcohol use.

The skills used in greeting clients readily transfer into Family Inclusive Practice.

Doing Family Inclusive Assessment 
The assessment process can be focused on the presenting client with the family contributing or on the family processes as a whole.

Family Support Scale

Adapted version of the Hanley Family Support Scale 

Click here for means of acquiring the full work.

Genograms

These are a widely utilised tool in working with families.  Click here for further information on the clinical use of Genograms.

Introduction to the Genogram

A BRIEF HOW-TO

Other

Copello Family Member Assessment 

Working With Specific Family Members 
Spouse or partner relationship problems are usually present and high levels of dissatisfaction are not uncommon.

Children's Assessments

FIP supports the view that children have specific needs and also have the right to be protected, to be provided with services and to participate where appropriate.

SCODA Based Questions 

The SCODA Assessment

Working with the Diversity of New Zealand Families 
When working with couples, families, whanau or significant others, be open minded about family arrangements, and welcome and respect diversity. Treatment sessions will be more flexible and appropriate expectations will promote more effective outcomes.

Families reflect culture. Typically a Pakeha family tends to be nuclear, whereas a Mâori whanau could include up to four generations. New immigrant families may well be maintaining traditional gender roles, with the man as the head of the family. There is also an increasing number of blended families presenting to services bringing another range of issues.

Working with Different Treatment Contexts 
There are many contexts where treatment may occur and out-patient, residential, or compulsory treatment will all present different treatment dynamics.

© KINA - Families and Addictions Trust