Join us as we unpack kinship care, a vital arrangement where children who can't live with their biological parents are raised by relatives or close community members. You'll learn why this is Australia's preferred out-of-home care solution and how it aligns with the Child Placement Principle. We'll clarify the difference between known and unknown kinship carers and reveal the critical role of kinship care assessments in ensuring child safety, meeting their needs, and identifying potential risks and necessary supports.

Yet, these care arrangements often face significant hurdles. We'll examine the stresses of emergency placements, the intricate nature of pre-existing relationships, the challenges of limited placements that can push practitioners to seek unknown kin, and the common frustrations with bureaucracy and inadequate support for carers. To truly grasp the unique emotional world of kinship carers, we'll introduce the concept of ambiguous loss. Ultimately, we'll highlight the ongoing initiatives to enhance kinship care practice through specialised tools, culturally responsive methods, and relationship-based practice.

Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to [email protected]

Also, check out our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RelationalPractice

Music by Hannah Park

Editing by Angus Pinkstone

Join Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey, private practice social workers in NSW, Australia, as they delve into the critical topic of foster care assessment on this episode of "Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast".

This discussion explores the nuances of assessing foster carers' capacity, differentiating it from parenting capacity assessments. Jodie and Rose will share their insights and practical experiences, examining key areas that should be considered in foster care assessments, including motivation to foster, personal background, household dynamics, parenting capacity, and compliance checks.

The episode also highlights the current global and Australian shortage of foster carers, discussing its causes and consequences, such as the increased use of emergency accommodation and residential care for vulnerable children. They'll touch upon the unique motivations of foster carers, and the essential qualities beyond specific skills that contribute to successful caring.

Tune in as they consider the impact of carer shortages on children, the potential for approving inappropriate carers, and the critical need for targeted support to prevent burnout and promote carer retention.

Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to [email protected]

Music by Hannah Park

Editing by Angus Pinkstone

Join Rose Mackey and Jodie Park for a vital and in-depth discussion that demystifies formal parenting capacity assessments. They'll answer the questions you've always had: Why are these crucial evaluations conducted, and what do they truly involve?

In this episode, Rose and Jodie explore the fundamental purpose of these assessments, revealing how their aims shift depending on the context. You'll learn how they inform critical decisions in child protection cases, guide judicial outcomes in court settings, and assess suitability for adoption and fostering.

They then pull back the curtain on the "how-to," detailing the comprehensive areas covered. Rose and Jodie will walk you through examining a child's unique needs, understanding a parent's history and functioning (including mental health, substance use, and trauma), evaluating direct parenting skills, and assessing environmental and social supports. They'll also delve into the critical aspects of parent-child interaction and a parent's capacity for insight and change.

But it's not just about the process. Rose and Jodie shine a light on the essential skills required for this complex work: from sharp analytical and observational abilities to sophisticated communication and writing. They discuss the critical need for deep theoretical knowledge – from child development and attachment theory to trauma-informed practice – and specialized expertise in challenging areas like abuse, addiction, sexual abuse, mental health, and family violence. Understanding "the system" itself is also key.

Whether you're a practitioner, a student, or simply curious about how these assessments shape the lives of children and families, this episode offers an invaluable look into the intricacies of formal parenting capacity assessments.

Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to [email protected]

Music by Hannah Park

Editing by Angus Pinkstone

Hey there, social workers!

Tune in to Relational Practice with Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey as they keep digging into how we assess parenting capacity. This episode, " Beyond the Checklist: Unpacking Informal Parenting Capacity Assessments" is all about the super important role of those daily interactions and observations. They're key to understanding what's going on with parents, guiding our casework, and figuring out the best ways to help.

Jodie and Rose chat about crucial observation skills, like checking out relationships, how people solve problems, manage emotions, and if their words match their vibe.

They wrap things up with a powerful real-life example, showing how those everyday observations and formal assessments come together to understand a mom's parenting capacity and her drive to make changes, especially when aiming for reunification.

You don't want to miss out on future talks that are super relevant to your practice (like their next episode on formal parenting capacity assessments)? Then hit that follow button and subscribe to their social media!

Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to [email protected]

Music by Hannah Park

Editing by Angus Pinkstone

Ever wonder what truly makes a capable parent? Join us in this foundational episode as we delve into the fascinating world of parenting capacity. While essential for child and family practitioners, the insights we uncover are universally valuable, focusing on the core skills of assessment.

Forget dry definitions! We're going beyond the surface to explore the practical tools you need to evaluate capacity in any context. Learn how to sharpen your observation skills, master the art of insightful interviewing, and hone your analytical abilities.

We'll then weave together crucial theoretical frameworks, showing you how understanding trauma, child development, family systems, the ecological perspective, and the nuances of human development (including temperament, personality, socialization, and psychological development) can illuminate the complexities of parenting.

Finally, we'll tackle the critical aspects of risk assessment and effective decision-making, equipping you with a comprehensive understanding of this vital area. Whether you're a seasoned professional or simply curious about the dynamics of family and human potential, this episode will lay a powerful foundation for understanding and assessing capacity in all its forms. Tune in and unlock a new level of insight!

Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to [email protected]

Music by Hannah Park

Editing by Angus Pinkstone

What role does professional judgment play in your social work practice? We are tackling this crucial topic on the next episode of Relational Practice: a social work podcast, out now. Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful conversation!

Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to [email protected]

Music by Hannah Park

Editing by Angus Pinkstone

Join Rose and Jodie for an insightful conversation diving deep into the world of supervision!

We'll explore:

• Supervision in all its forms: From those everyday informal chats that keep us connected to the structure of formal sessions that guide our growth.
• The power of connection: Discover how nurturing collegial relationships can enrich your professional life.
• The vital link: Unpack how supervision directly impacts your practice and, most importantly, your wellbeing as a practitioner.

This is your invitation to connect, learn, and reflect on the essential role of supervision in our professional journeys. We can't wait to have you join the conversation!

Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to [email protected]

Music by Hannah Park

Editing by Angus Pinkstone

Alright, get ready for round two of our deep dive into attachment! This time, we're getting super practical and showing you some real-world tricks to truly get how your clients' past relationships are shaping them now. Think of it as unlocking a whole new level of understanding!

Just a heads-up though, we're still finding our feet with the tech side of things, so there are a couple of tiny moments where the sound might get a little wonky. Don't bail on us though – it's super short and the good stuff kicks right back in! Trust us, it's worth sticking around to totally level up your client care game!

Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to [email protected]

Music by Hannah Park

Editing by Angus Pinkstone

Join us for part 1 of our deep dive into the world of attachment with our latest podcast episode! We start to explore the fascinating science behind attachment, unravelling the concept of internal working models and the diverse spectrum of attachment styles. Discover how adopting an attachment lens can revolutionize your social work practice, providing profound insights into your clients' behaviours, their worldviews, and the complex tapestry of their emotions. Part two will demonstrate practical strategies to foster deeper understanding of how client’s attachment and their experience of relationships. Tune in and transform your approach to client care!

Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to [email protected]

Music by Hannah Park

Editing by Angus Pinkstone

Let's talk POWER in social work! It's a word we use a lot, but what does it really mean in our daily practice? In our latest episode, we're getting personal, sharing our own experiences and grappling with the complexities of power dynamics. How do we actually empower others? How do we balance strengths-based approaches with advocating for change? Join the conversation!

Share your stories with us at [email protected] (you can stay anonymous!). We'll feature your voice in upcoming episodes.