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Engagement strategies and change: an intentional practice response for the child welfare worker in cases of domestic violence
Author(s) -
Melchiorre Rylee,
Vis JoAnn
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
child and family social work
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1365-2206
pISSN - 1356-7500
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2206.2012.00868.x
Subject(s) - domestic violence , welfare , active listening , inclusion (mineral) , context (archaeology) , theory of change , psychology , child protection , process (computing) , social psychology , poison control , developmental psychology , public relations , suicide prevention , medicine , nursing , political science , medical emergency , economics , psychotherapist , management , computer science , paleontology , law , biology , operating system
In order to engage mothers who are victims of domestic abuse, the child welfare worker needs to be challenged to develop an intentional practice response that includes knowledge and skill concerning the complexities of domestic violence, as well as the process of change. Developing a supportive relationship, understanding the stages of change (SOC) and engaging mothers as leaders in the change process are essential to successful child protection outcomes. Within the context of the SOC model, this practice‐based paper focuses on the importance of engaging mothers who are victims of domestic violence in conversations about their own unique dilemmas, challenges and barriers regarding change. Through the inclusion of engagement strategies such as signs of safety, active listening and cost/benefit analysis, in concert with the SOC theory, the child welfare worker would be equipped with an approach to successfully assist mothers through their change journey, ultimately keeping children safe.