This episode explores the crucial role of contact supervisors in observing and assessing parent-child interactions during supervised contact sessions. Michael talks about the importance of social workers, independent social workers, and children's guardians personally observing these sessions to form their own conclusions and assessments. It highlights the significance of parents demonstrating their ability to prioritize their child's needs, engage positively during contact, and adhere to professional guidance and boundaries.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Observing contact sessions is crucial for professionals working with children and families to gain a better understanding of the case and form their own conclusions.

• Contact observations provide only a snapshot of the parent's overall ability to care for their child, and it is essential to consider all evidence gathered from the case.

• Parents should prioritise their child's needs during contact sessions, demonstrate the ability to learn from advice offered by professionals, and show consistent good enough care.

• Parents need to be aware of the impact of their words and actions on their child, follow guidance and boundaries set during contact, and communicate concerns through appropriate channels.

• The ultimate goal for parents during contact sessions is to ensure their child has a great time, showcasing their ability to meet their child's physical and emotional needs consistently.

BEST MOMENTS

"It is really important that you observe at least one contact prior to finalising your assessment, otherwise you place yourself in a vulnerable position when it comes to giving evidence and being cross-examined."

"Most contact sessions are 90 or 120 minutes in duration, which explains the limitations involved in placing too much weight on contact observations."

"Parents need to prove that they can understand and comply with such guidance and boundaries in the interests of their children and their court case."

"Parents need also to be advised that they need to be aware of the impact their words and actions have on their child."

"The real task for most parents, though, is to show they can meet their child's various needs on a consistent basis throughout the period in which they are being assessed."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

familycourtcoaching@gmail.com

Instagram: michael240656

HOST BIO

Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

This episode delves into the complex and often misunderstood topic of self-injury. It explores how self-harm serves as a coping mechanism for individuals dealing with overwhelming emotions and distressing thoughts. The episode discusses the various functions self-harm can serve, such as expressing difficult emotions, seeking control, or managing traumatic experiences. It also highlights the signs to look out for in children and young people who may be engaging in self-harm, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing these behaviours. Additionally, the episode sheds light on the underlying reasons why individuals self-harm, ranging from emotional pain and loneliness to mental health conditions and traumatic experiences.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Self-harm is a coping mechanism for dealing with distressing thoughts and feelings, serving various functions such as expressing emotions, gaining control, or escaping traumatic memories.

• Children may engage in self-harm through various methods like cutting, burning, poisoning, or over-exercising, often as a response to emotional distress or mental health challenges.

• Signs of self-harm in children include wearing long sleeves, having sharp objects, emotional instability, and frequent accidental injuries.

• Self-harm is associated with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and trauma, highlighting the importance of professional support.

• While self-harm is more common among women, seeking help from professionals can significantly reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions.

BEST MOMENTS

"Self-harm or self-injury can be described as representing a person's coping mechanism for dealing with highly upsetting and distressing thoughts and feelings."

"When a child or person injures themselves, chemicals such as endorphins and other natural painkillers are released by the brain, providing a temporal respite for the painful experiences."

"Self-harm and self-injury often go unnoticed because people who self-harm don't tend to want to draw attention to their behaviour."

"It seems there may be a number of reasons why people self-harm. What is clear is that children who do so frequently are experiencing overpowering emotional pain or distress."

"In terms of the gender most at risk of self-harm, it is said to be more common amongst women than men."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

familycourtcoaching@gmail.com

Instagram: michael240656

HOST BIO

Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

Michael discusses the sensitive nature of parenting assessments and the necessity of asking personal and intrusive questions. He reflects on the reactions of parents when faced with such questions, highlighting the importance of understanding one's upbringing, beliefs, and experiences in relation to parenting. Overall, the episode underscores the critical role of thorough assessments in determining suitable parenting options for children in need.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Asking personal questions during parenting assessments is necessary to understand a person's beliefs, values, and experiences.

• Family life is personal, and the court needs personal information to make decisions about a child's care.

• Some individuals may resist answering personal questions during assessments, indicating potential challenges in their ability to undergo a full parenting assessment.

• Lack of insight and unwillingness to share personal information can lead to negative outcomes in parenting assessments.

• Emotional readiness and willingness to discuss past experiences are crucial factors in determining suitability for parenting assessments.

BEST MOMENTS

"Many of the questions you have to ask when undertaking a parenting assessment are, in my view, personal and intrusive."

"People take for granted that they will love and take care of their child, but fail to see that the court does not know them at all."

"Isn't that a bit personal? But if the court are going to make decisions about where the child should be placed, don't you think they need to know all the relevant information?"

"I really think you're asking too much. It's too personal."

"His lack of insight and unwillingness to share further information provided me with the clarity I needed to reach the conclusion that the outcome of the assessment was negative."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

familycourtcoaching@gmail.com

Instagram: michael240656

HOST BIO

Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.