Safety and support networks
For most children in care there will be a number of people and services that are either working directly or indirectly with you, the child, and their families.
The term ‘stakeholder meeting care team’ is often used and usually describes a group of professionals who meet to share information and plan without the involvement of the child, young person or their family. A safety and support network is made up of a range of people, and could include family members, professionals, carers, and community members. The membership of the network will be different for every child and young person, and for some may include only departmental and professional workers at the start.
Building a support network
Ideally a safety and support network will build on natural supports in the family and community as these will often be the most enduring.
Over time the aim will be to build the network to include parents, family, friends, community members, carers and professionals who:
- care about the child or young person
- are willing to meet with the department and other key people
- have an understanding of the harm that has occurred
- have an understanding of the worries and risks for the future
- are willing to take actions that support the family and help keep the child or young person safe.
Developing a safety and support network for a particular child or young person in your care might look like this:
