General Public

Fin WA acknowledges that there are times when it is best for children to be placed in out of home care; although this is distressing for parents sometimes it provides parents the time and space to address the issues that have led to statutory involvement. Fin WA will always support and advocate that parents be given the opportunities and supports to assist them in addressing these issues to give them the best chance to have their children returned home.

Fin WA also acknowledges that at times it is not possible for children to return to their families and long term out of home care is required for the child’s stability and security. In this situation we will support and advocate for parents to participate respectfully and equally in the planning and ongoing care of their children. It is also imperative that the relationship between the children and parents is upheld as integral to the wellbeing of everyone.

There are a number of things you can do to help children, parents and family members. You can become a member of Fin WA which promotes the rights of a child to have their parent, family and community involved in the child protection process; talk with your own family, friends and colleagues about understanding the needs of families in our community who are particularly vulnerable and involved with child protection. This will help to reduce the stigma attached to families and break down the misconceptions that community has about disadvantaged families. You can also discuss with people the importance of more positive and effective services for families to reduce the disadvantage experienced by families which often means many of them are isolated and unsupported.

There are usually multiple and complex reasons for a child being removed from the care of their parent. Sometimes the difficulties encountered by parents are so overwhelming that they may make decisions or behave in ways that means the child is at serious risk of harm or has been harmed.

Parents who become involved in statutory intervention are often experiencing issues such as insecure housing, domestic or family violence, alcohol or drug misuse, criminal activity, mental health problems and disability (of parent or child); often parents are struggling financially due to limited educational and employment opportunities, are often isolated, many have been raised in care themselves and others may have had poor parenting role models. Often there is a combination of factors that may raise concerns for the department.

Regardless of the reason for a child being placed out of the home, parents love their children and are very distressed to be separated from them. Children also love their parents and experience distress and grief at being removed.

Fin WA supports parents because we believe they are a ‘silent voice’ in the child protection process. Most parents and families feel overwhelmed, fearful and uninformed in dealing with child protection authorities. Fin WA’s mission is ‘to have a child protection system that is respectful and inclusive of parent, family and community as key stakeholders.’

Children and young people are fundamentally part of their family and therefore to separate the best interest of the child without consideration of the family unit is inherently difficult. Parents are key stakeholders in the present and future lives of their children and therefore their respectful inclusion in the decision making process is essential.

A child’s parent has an enormous impact upon the mental and emotional wellbeing of a child. Regardless of what a child’s parent does or doesn’t do, the child may feel some responsibility, guilt or shame for their family situation. Parents who are able overcome the problems that led to their children being removed and regain full responsibility for their child/ren is a rewarding and healthy outcome for the children, parent and general community.

Statutory involvement is complex, overwhelming and frightening for parents and families. Due to the statutory role of child protection workers the relationship between parents and workers is often fraught with fear, anger, mistrust and resistance. This tension that exists can become destructive to working toward the best outcomes for children and it is Fin WA’s role to help parents and workers engage in respectful working relationships.

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