How was the 'Strengthening Families' framework developed?
The 'Strengthening Families' framework builds upon earlier work by both Andrew Turnell and Rob Sawyer/Suzanne Lohrbach from the Olmstead County Child & Family Services in Minnesota.
In 1997 Andrew Turnell developed a partnership approach to Child Protection called 'Signs of Safety'. He has since published a book by the same name. The principle aim of the approach is to foster an environment that maximises the potential for collaborative working. Underpinning the model is the belief that each situation can be viewed from a number of different perspectives. Professionals are encouraged to explore and be open to these multiple perspectives rather than simply accepting their own as the correct one. 'The 'Signs of Safety' approach seeks to find a firm footing between the two polarities of the 'professional is always right' (paternalism) or succumbing to the temptation to simply believe the service recipient (professional dangerousness)'. According to Turnell & Edwards (1997), the ultimate test of partnership in Child Protection work is goals. 'Partnership exists when both the statutory agency and the family cooperate and make efforts to achieve specific, mutually understood goals.'
In 2000, Rob Sawyer and Suzanne Lohrbach (Olmsted County Child & Family Services in Minnesota) developed a family case planning conference (FCPC) that built upon the ideas of Andrew Turnell as well as the general principles of restorative practice and the Family Group Conference process. The FCPC is used in Minnesota as an alternative justice intervention, the aim of which is to achieve agreement on contested child protection matters within the court system. An evaluation conducted by Minnesota in 2002 was extremely positive. Families reported feeling respected, listened to and relevant to the process. In a two year period, 45 case planning conferences resulted in a 100% settlement rate prior to the return to court. Rob Sawyer and Suzanne Lohrbach worked with West Berkshire in order to develop the 'Strengthening Families' model and to train staff in the underlying principles.
