Holding the child in mind in adult focussed services

A bicycle leaning against an old, stained wall with a painting of two children on the wall. The bicylce is place in such a way that it looks like the children are riding the bike.

Practitioners working in adult-focussed services (substance use, mental health, housing, family violence) often work with parents and caregivers - yet the child’s needs and vulnerability might be hard to see in the work with the adult.

The common assumption that “if the parent is ok then the child will be ok” risks diminishing the effects of parental challenges on the child. Crucially, the relationship between the parent and the child might suffer, resulting in long-term consequences. We will consider how to support and address such oft-hidden dynamics.

This thought-provoking session will support adult-focussed practitioners and leaders to explore the complexity of balancing adults’ goals and needs with the critical developmental needs of children.

Target Audience: Leadership, supervisors and practitioners
Duration: Half day
Location: on-line or in-person