The “Together As One” Parent’s Forum has its roots in the Teenage Parenting Programme (TPP) based in Shantallow Family Centre. During each cycle of the TPP parents shared their experiences of raising teenagers and their unique experiences as parents known to Children’s Services. Similar themes emanated from all groups of “what works” and “what can be improved upon” when involved with Children’s Services.
The Parent’s Forum was established in February 2018 in a response to parent’s lived experiences. It was formally launched by Anne Kilgallen (CEO/WHSCT) in December 2018. The primary aim was to improve and develop services for families and children and ensure the voice of parents is heard at a frontline, management, training and governance level. The Together As One Forum effectively bridges the gap between service delivery and service user needs.
The Parent’s Forum is made up of a range of parents (male/female – who have had experience of Children’s Services), Shantallow Family Centre and is chaired by Suzanne Mahon, Assistant Director of Safeguarding/ Corporate Parenting.”
The Parent’s Forum is strongly linked to co-production, parents have been meaningfully involved at every step of the project. Relationships are at the core of the Parent’s Forum and it was critical that meaningful, genuine, respectful partnerships were nurtured and developed from the beginning. Parent’s lived experiences directly influence practice therefore it was important their voice was heard and listened to. We achieved this by fostering real partnership working, collaboration, mutual respect and shared decision-making. This in turn leads to better outcomes for all children and families and bridges the gap between service delivery and service user needs. The voice of parents is heard at frontline, management, training and governance level.
The following actions helped create an environment where parents and professionals collaborate effectively to achieve shared aims and objectives:
- Attendance at social work team meetings to promote the Parent’s Forum and highlight their experiences of Children’s Services.
- Input by the Parent’s Forum annually at QUB and UU to contribute to the education of social work students
- Annual delivery of presentation to Post-Graduate Community Development Programme and subsequent Reflections Document.
- Contribution to the development of parental leaflets in regards to
- Signs of Safety
- a feedback App for the Gateway Service
- The review of UNOCINI (assessment framework for childcare services)
- Attended Stormont to meet with the Lead Social Worker N.I. and key representatives of the Department of Health (DoH)
- Identified as the key Parental Forum to assist with the Review of Children’s Social Care Services in N.I. by Professor Ray Jones.
- Participated in the Trust Induction Programme for newly appointed social work and social care staff
- Developed co-produced Addiction Training in partnership with the SFC, SSLDT&G, Northland’s Addiction Treatment Centre, Start 360
- Parent’s Forum, delivered to WHSCT SWs, SCWs and Student SWs at UU Magee and QUB.
- Participated in Let’s Talk Social Work (BASW) Podcast – “Meet Me Where I’m At” Meet me where I’m at – Let’s Talk Social Work | Acast”
The Parent’s Forum has connected professionals with service users through meaningful dialogue. There is a greater understanding of what helps service users benefit the most from intervention. Involving service users in co-produced training provides depth to the knowledge and theory of Addiction. Student SWs can be introduced to service users in a safe learning environment were fears can be addressed; stereotypes challenged and insight developed.
The process can also help service users understand the purpose, role and pressures experienced in children’s services.
Partnership working is key to fostering and securing effective change for all.
The next steps of the Parent’s Forum are:
- Continue delivering the programme of activity identified
- Expand the Parent’s Forum to include the whole of the Western Trust area
- Encourage new members to join while continuing to support current members
- Exploring potential of developing co-produced domestic abuse training
- Celebrate development of the independent Parental Advocacy Service (PASNET) by members of the Parent’s Forum.
