It is important to frame the process in strength-based language. Genograms can significantly contribute to the practitioner’s knowledge of the family and should be used to establish the importance of particular family members to the child, who is able to take a helping role within the family and so on.When it is not practicable to engage the whole family in completing a genogram during the initial investigation, the practitioner should draw a genogram to inform their assessment, and seek to confirm the genogram as soon as possible as well as finding an opportunity to create a genogram with the family at a later stage (including both maternal and paternal family members).It is important to check and confirm the genogram with all key family members especially the child’s parents. Family members may not all be present when a genogram is being developed.The family can see diagrammatically what their family looks like and can participate in mapping the family history, patterns of relationships, and the familial support systems they can access.Encouraging or supporting Aboriginal families to engage with services such as Link Up may help them learn more about their heritage. Many Aboriginal families have histories involving Stolen Generations and for many Aboriginal families talking about people who have died can be difficult. It is important to remain respectful, culturally sensitive and aware of reasons why a child or family may not know a lot of information about their family. Sitting around a table involving the whole family in drawing a genogram may be less alienating and more inclusive. It is easy to miss an opportunity to connect with a person when one is involved in taking notes to record an interview. Drawing the genogram together with a child and family can provide an opportunity for them to tell their family story.The genogram should be re-visited at key decision making points, notably at substantiation, commencement of Children’s Court activity, upon the making of a Children’s Court Order and at each annual case plan review and at termination of an Children’s Court Order or case closure. Genograms support case planning, protective intervention, the development of cultural plans, connection to culture, identity development and legal intervention. A genogram is required where protective concerns are substantiated. Once all available information has been mapped, the child protection practitioner can gather additional information to complete the picture.įollowing substantiation, genograms should be reviewed regularly with the family and at key decision points, for example during case plan or AFLDM meetings, where extended family and other significant people from the child’s support network may be present to assist in creating a more complete picture. Genograms are beneficial in identifying placement options within a family when a child is in need of alternative care and can also highlight gaps in knowledge about the family. providing a multigenerational context for exploring family problems. compiling a chronology of important family events.identifying intergenerational family patterns and roles.The genogram provides a visual representation of the child’s current and extended family and kinship system, helping practitioners and families by: Family relationships can be documented by drawing a genogram, a picture that captures the relationships and boundaries that characterise the family. At times it may be difficult to understand where and how everyone fits into the family networks. Genograms for some children may also include people significant to the child who may not be biologically related. This should include as much information as is available, including immediate and extended family members. The child protection practitioner should create a genogram during the initial investigation.
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