16 JANUARY 2009
NO 1388
Work with families
Without suggesting a particular developmental theory, we believe that a Child and Youth Care approach also must take into account the developmental stage of the family and of the individuals in the family. This notion of "applied developmental intervention" is keyed upon the understanding that people, families, and systems change over time and, as they do, so do their needs. Development in this sense is never static. However, a person or family may have age-appropriate development in one area while remaining developmentally delayed in another. One can have great analytical skills but not be able to interact in a mature manner with their family members. Developmental maturity in any one area can also move forward or retreat depending upon the external and internal pressures being experienced by the family, person, or system. Enough pressure can cause a regression in skills or views of the world resulting in a movement back to an earlier way of coping. This is the "two steps forward, one step back" dynamic that we so often see with our clients in times of stress. It is also important to place this developmental perspective into an ecological context in order to truly begin to understand why people do what they do when they do (Coleman, 1992; Garbarino & Eckenrode, 1997; Goldner, 1985). Cultural, societal, and family expectations and belief systems can impact upon how one develops and matures. In Jane's case one of her struggles was to overcome the underlying messages in her family that women have to be sick to get attention or their needs met. This was not necessarily how her mother viewed the world but it does appear to be the message that Jane picked up from her family. It will take a great effort on her part to move from this passive way of interacting with the world into a manner of interacting that is more adult and mature.
Conclusion
Child and youth care is in the process of developing a unique way of
working with families that goes beyond traditional forms of
intervention. It unique in that it is not limited to one theoretical
viewpoint or a single way of intervening. Rather, family work in Child and Youth Care practice builds upon our rich history of working with our
clients towards a common goal through multiple pathways. In this sense
child and work care family practice involves utilizing a range of
flexible interactions that are based upon the needs of our clients
rather than a set program or way of doing things. Child and youth care
practice is about respecting and encouraging our clients to gain mastery
over their lives It is about being supportive in a planned way. It
involves being with our clients in their lives at the times they need
us. Child and youth care practice is about helping our clients see the
greater picture of their lives and learning to fully participate in it.
Family work in Child and Youth Care practice is a way of being with
clients where they are and when they are so that we work in their
reality. It is these principles that form the foundation of our work.
GRANT CHARLES AND HOLLY
CHARLES
Charles, G. and Charles, H. (2003). Guidelines in
Child and Youth Care family work: A case study. In Garfat, T. (Ed.).
A Child and Youth Care Approach to Working with Families. New York.
The Haworth Press. pp. 113-114.
REFERENCES
Coleman, H. (1992). 'Good families don't...' and other family myths. Journal of Child and Youth Care, 7, 2. pp. 59-67.
Garbarino, J. and Eckenrode, J. (1997). The meaning of maltreatment. In Garbarino, J. and Eckenrode, J. (Eds.). Understanding Abusive Families. San Francisco. Jossey-Bass. pp. 3-25.
Goldner, V. (1985). Feminism and family therapy. Family Process, 24, 1. pp. 31-47.
