A family engagement resource for workers in child welfare to understand the context of their position and prepare them to bring family voice and power to the system.
Authentically prepare for family engagement
Even the work of system transformation continuously evolves. Jurisdictions far and wide speak about the increasing complexity of the work and the need for new approaches and skills to equip themselves so they can best support children and empower families.
This resource guides you through deeply personal work of being and doing that starts from the inside out and requires acknowledging that we share responsibility as part of a system. Because of this, it has the potential to change how you see the world and the impact of your interactions with others. In this framework, there are developmental activities designed to support workers in this situation. The work is deep and includes self-awareness as the first step to learning and growth. It also includes creation of support systems to help minimize worker harm. It also requires us to look inward at the trauma we’ve caused and elements of a white supremacy culture that marginalizes people and groups. You can start wherever and use this however you want.
Dear Workers Principles
This resource is organized by five principles that guide the shift toward strengthening workers’ voice and power, and encourages workers to acknowledge the voice and power of families in the child welfare system.
Context
Context refers to the environment, people, and experiences an individual encounters over the course of their lives that shapes their view of the world and other people. The principle of context focuses on workers becoming deeply aware of their own context so they can see how it unconsciously influences their understanding of the families with whom they work.
Compassion
Compassion is an awareness of the suffering of others and a desire to alleviate that suffering. By practicing the principle of compassion with families, workers seek to understand the trauma families may have experienced, give them a sense of psychological safety, acknowledge their strengths, and help them move toward well-being and wholeness
Change
Change involves listening to the experiences of people negatively impacted by the child welfare system, envisioning a more just and equitable system, and committing to their own personal and professional growth to have a more positive impact on families.
Consistency
Consistency involves doing the same practices on a regular basis. The principle of consistency means that workers are present and accessible at all stages of their work with families; communicating, following up, and following through in ways that let families know they can be relied upon and trusted.
Collaboration
Collaboration is people working together toward a common goal or desired outcome. In practicing the principle of collaboration, workers honor families' needs, perspectives, and lived experience as they partner with them to explore diverse solutions and resources.