Dumfries group keeps child care in the family

VULNERABLE children and families in the region are benefiting from a new scheme which helps keep youngsters safe. Family group conferences, which have been developed by Children 1st and Dumfries and Galloway Council, bring together the wider family network so they can develop a plan to protect and support the children in the family.

Where it is not possible or desirable for children to live with their parents, family group conferences can identify other family members who can look after the children instead of them being taken into care.

Sean McGleenan is a senior manager with the social work department who chairs the inter-agency partnership that has been promoting family group conferencing locally.

He insists the programme has been a huge success with protecting youngsters otherwise at risk in the region.

He said: “We have found it to be a valuable addition to the services we have to help children in Dumfries and Galloway.

“The first phase worked well and we are looking to expand the service in the future.”

Anne Houston, Chief Executive of Children 1st, which was formerly known as the Royal Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children, added: “We know that families often have the solutions to their problems.

“Family group conferences help them come together and take responsibility back for the wellbeing of the children in their family.”

Dumfries mum Margaret cannot believe the transformation in her family since they took part in a family group conference.

“The whole family is closer now and we are helping each other,” she said.

Before the family group conference, she was at her wits end with worry about what was going to happen to her teenage son, Stephen.

She added: “Stephen was hanging about with the wrong crowd and getting into trouble. The police were always at the door.”

Stephen had been to a children’s hearing because of his behaviour and had ended up in a residential unit.

Children 1st became involved and organised a family group conference to see how they could help Stephen make the changes needed and how the family could support him.

Stephen, who has since changed his life around, said: “I know I need to behave. I do understand what the consequences will be if my behaviour continues.

“Now if I was struggling with my problems I would talk to mum.”

In another case, a family conference proved successful after Alice and David from Dumfries were at risk of being taken into care after their dad could not cope with bringing them up.

The meeting produced a plan that set out the changes that everyone had to make.

Both Children 1st and the local social work team helped Alice and David deal with many of the issues that were troubling them and Dad was given support to better understand and manage his children’s behaviour.

But the project would not be possible if it wasn’t for the help of Lockerbie Children 1st Action Group.

Annette Young, Chairperson of the action group, said: “This is what motivates us to keep raising money for the project.

“Last year we raised £6,000 and every penny really does make a difference to the lives of children.

“We are thrilled to be helping local children and will continue to raise as much money as possible.”