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Residential weekends for client families as an aid to case management
ChiidAbwe andNe&cr, Vol. 5, pp. 309-315, Printed in the U.S.A. All rights nserved.
0145-2134/81/03030%07SO2.00/0 Copyright 0 1981 Pergamon Press Ltd.
1981
RESIDENTIAL WEEKENDS FOR CLIENT FAMILIES AS AN AID TO CASE MANAGEMENT VEREBERGER Master in Social Work, 371 Scarborough
Beach Road, Woodlands,
6018, Western Australia
Abstract-This paper is a descriptive study of three weekends organised for a small group of client families of a Child Protection Unit of a State Welfare Department. Clients of the Child Life Protection Unit are those families with children up to the age of 6 years, i.e., the pre-school child where abuse has occurred or where a child is at severe risk of abuse. The purpose of the weekends was to assist in case management. Families were encouraged to participate in formal and informal activities as a group. Evaluation of the weekend was by way of a questionnaire answered by client families together with their informal responses and whether goals set down by the workers had been achieved after a period of time. It was found that comments made by the clients did have some co-relation with several goals which were nominated by the social workers. From the results obtained, the weekend was considered as a success in respect of most families who attended. It was particularly encouraging because the agency is a statutory agency where barriers in view of the workers’ authority role are not easily overcome. R&umdTrois fins de semaine ont et6 organisCes pour un petit groupe de familles, sous l’tgide de la Protection de I’Enfance rattachee au DCpartement des Affaires Socialies de I’Etat. I1 s’agissait de familles avec enfants en bas 8ge, avec risque tlevC de maltraitance ou maltraitance effective. L’idBe etait qu’une tin de semaine pas&e en commun am6lior&ait les rapports entre ces familles et les travailleurs sociaux, et permettrait aussi aux dites familles de se rendre compte qu’il en existait d’autres ayant les m&mes problbmes qu’elles. Le questionnaire rempli par les families ?I la fin de 1’expCrience a indiqu6 que celle-ci pouvait &tre consid&e comme un succ&, notamment en ce qui conceme les rapports avec ces reptisentants de l’Auto& que sont les travailleurs sociaux.
ORIGINS
OF PROJECT
THE IDEA of client families participating in a residential situation for a week or weekend is not a new concept within the Department for Community Welfare. However it had never been attempted before, with families where children had been abused. The idea was developed by the supervisor after a study which had shown welfare recipients feelings of alienation from workers in the statutory agency. This approach was seen to be one way of promoting better client-worker relationships. It was also believed that families might benefit from realising that they were not alone with their problems and this could be seen as a means of providing mutual support. Furthermore, it was felt that father figures in client families were either too tired or too busy to be involved in treatment in the evenings. An attitude of Australian society is that fathers often remain uninvolved, leaving the parenting up to their wives. A more thorough analysis of the third weekend at Jarrahdale was undertaken and findings for the purpose of this paper are based on the analysis of that weekend only but with some supporting evidence from previous weekends. OBJECTIVES
OF PROJECT
As each weekend took place, objectives workable objectives appeared to be:
were modified according to the client group. The most
This paper was presented 1981.
Congress
at: The Third International
309
on Child Abuse and Neglect,
Amsterdam,
April 21-25,
Vere Berger
310
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
To reduce social isolation of families. To develop and improve relationships with social workers for further treatment purposes. For workers to observe parent/child interaction over a more extended period. To demonstrate to parents, appropriate handling of their child’s behaviour problems. (a) In the case of intact families-to encourage both parents (father in particular) to be more involved in recreational activities with their children. (b) In the case of single mothers-to stimulate a more positive attitude towards being a single parent by developing self-esteem. 6. To enable families to experience and enjoy a different environment from home pressures. 7. Any other goal not stated above which a worker might choose for a particular family.
ORGANISATION Organisation of the weekend was undertaken by officers in the unit. It has to be staffed during the week at all times. Therefore the project was held over the weekend, from Friday to Sunday afternoon, in order that fathers and social workers could attend.
Venue The weekends were held at Yanchep (for intact families); Penguin Island (for single parent families); and Jam&dale (for intact families). The first two were holiday beach resorts with accommodation for family units, and Jar&dale is a purpose built holiday village administered by a nonprofit making organisation run by the Catholic Church. The Department for Community Welfare has holiday facilities for teenagers but these are not suitable for families.
Selection
of Families
Workers were asked to select three families on their caseload. Invitations were issued well before the weekend, but last minute refusals could not be avoided. In some instances, families invited at the last minute were very happy to attend the weekend. Single mothers and children were more easily recruited than intact families in view of the father’s work commitments and the smaller number of intact families on each worker’s caseload. Mixing both family types was found not to be suitable since the single mothers felt different and disadvantaged alongside the “intact” families. Most were from the lower socioeconomic groups since they comprised the largest section of the client group. Others selected were families where children had been separated from their parents, for example, in view of the severe risk to the child, and the weekend was used by the worker as an opportunity to observe the family’s functioning. On two weekends, two former clients were invited, to share their experiences and to help with the organisation. Those who were felt to be potentially disruptive were not invited. Preparation
of Families for the Weekend
Families were initially invited by their officer who discussed with them the purposes weekend. This was later followed by a letter of practical details by the organiser.
of the
Cost and Equipment Payment for the weekend was obtained from the Unit budget under operational costs. These costs were kept to a minimum, since disadvantaged families were charged at a low rate by the
Residential
weekends as an aid to case management
311
owners of Jar&dale. The client families were asked to contribute a small amount but were not pressed to do so if they were unable. Food and accommodation for seven families and about five workers came to approximately $600 for the weekend. Transport and provision of sports equipment, bedding, food and calculation of menus was undertaken through the residential services section of the Department for Community Welfare. Toys were borrowed from the Early Childhood Branch of the Department. Other equipment was hired from other government agencies. Since people felt stigmatised as “welfare families” at being transported in the Departmental bus on the first weekend, this was not again attempted and families made their own way or were given lifts.
Accommodation Families were accommodated in cabins with some cooking facilities. There was a central hall with a fully equipped kitchen. Facilities included a swimming pool, playground, bush-walking and barbecue area. Nearby was an adventure playground.
Programme
Structure
It proved very important for the families to be met by someone they knew on arrival, offered a cup of tea and introduced to others. A notice-board with a programme of suggested activities and menus were useful as a point of reference. Comments or suggestions were invited. For instance, at Penguin Island, a poem written by one of the women expressing her feelings at the time, was posted on the board. A weekend where families wer given too much freedom to create their own activities left them feeling aimless. They were responsive to new experiences as long as they were given some direction. By the third weekend a good balance had been achieved. During the meal on the first evening the purpose of the weekend was again discussed with the parents as a group. Encouragement was given to parents to put forward ideas or organise something themselves. Activities included team and musical games, dressing up, craft work, film shows and a treasure hunt. Folk-dancing was another item whereby parents and children were invited to participate. Therapeutic activities consisted of a relaxation session for adults, a welcome change from the noise and activity in the hall. A group discussion exploring parenting problems was held at the first weekend, but this was rejected by the single mothers at Penguin Island who said that they wanted to forget their problems, so this was not programmed for Jarrahdale. A central meeting place, large enough for a dining and children’s play area, was essential for group cohesion. The midday and evening meals were taken together. Much time was allowed for informal communication, particularly around meal times. While in the hall the children did not need close supervision, since there was plenty for them to do. Events were organised in such a way that the programme for the first morning was a joint activity between parents and children. Later in the weekend, once the children had been accustomed to their environment, the parents spent more time on their own together. The weekend finished with a joint activity. A very important aspect of the weekend proved to be the social evenings after the children had gone to bed. Adults were able to enjoy quiz games, play cards and listen to music. An evening without television appeared to be a new experience to them. A contribution of mutual benefit to all concerned was by a group of young unemployed people who had undertaken some training in child-care. They acted as babysitters at times when clients and workers needed to be together.
312
Vere Berger
CLIENT-WORKER
RELATIONSHIPS
There was a high staff-client ratio. Most of the unit workers attended for at least part of the weekend. The important factor was that the client’s social worker was available. Apprehension was at first felt by workers at this personal exposure but their concerns were unfounded. As the weekend developed the workers felt a sense of relief at being able to relax their official image. On the first weekend each cabin was shared between an officer and family. After feeling uncomfortable about this at first, both were able to get to know one another as people with interests and opinions outside their respective roles. (However, separate accommodation was preferred by officers on subsequent weekends since the intensity of contact was tiring and it was necessary to retire to a quiet place, to discuss the programme, or any problems which may have arisen). While one mother became more “enmeshed” with her social worker, most did not make such demands. While people related to each other in a friendly and frank way, the clients understood there were boundaries to intimacy with the workers. The workers felt that the clients went away from the weekend appreciating that the worker genuinely cared but had a job to do, part of which was the statutory role, which was at times unpleasant but necessary.
The Isolated Client Other than the few adults who wished to remain isolated from the rest, most however shy had been able to feel comfortable with someone by the end of the weekend. Since the children had no inhibitions and played with one another, adults tended to be drawn into conversation through their children.
EVALUATION
Clients’ Response The questionnaire given to the clients relating to their experience of the weekend sought information in three main areas-experience gained from the weekend, organisation and content in terms of activities. Five out of seven families returned the questionnaire. This was considered to be a reasonably good response. Personal experience. Apprehension was expressed by some at the initial invitation; the main reason being concern that their children would behave badly and reflect on them as parents. One parent said she tried to find an excuse not to come. However, another said that she was relieved to have come that weekend since she had struck her baby and was frightened that worse could have happened. All five parents who answered the questionnaire indicated that they felt good about being at Jarrahdale by the end of the first day, and expressed a reluctance to return to the routine of home. Most seemed to feel that apprehensions about being on their best behaviour were quite unnecessary. One commented, “We’re relieved to see that you are all human.” Another said, “Bill and I for one couple especially, took note and were grateful that the workers were at one with the people, and that not one situation arose when we as a couple felt less important than the workers.” In terms of gains made, several parents felt it helped their self-esteem to be with people who had similar difficulties. One said, “When I first walked into that hall I could not believe that all these people had the same problems as myself.” Comments were made by three of the couples that their relationship with their spouse had been enriched and strengthened; that without home pressures and the presence of television they could communicate with each other.
Residential
weekends as an aid to case management
313
Several parents who had been apprehensive about their children’s behaviour were pleasantly surprised at how well they had behaved. They realised when the children were given enough interest and activities, they appeared to be normal, if not better than others. This could be related to the goal to help improve child management techniques. Organisation. All of the respondents felt that Jarrahdale was an ideal place to hold a family weekend, away from the pressures of the city. They felt that the accommodation was comfortable and enjoyed the privacy of their own cabins. The general consensus was that the weekend should have been three days. Several enjoyed eating in large groups since it was a good way of getting to know each other, although three of the parents made comments that their children tended to be disruptive at meal-times. Activities. Most of the parents felt that there were enough organised activities. Four of the five said they enjoyed the social activity in the evening when the children were in bed. Three of the families indicated that they would have liked more therapeutic input, i.e., in terms of discussion groups regarding personal problems and child management. One parent commented that she could fall asleep more quickly at night after learning a technique to relax during the relaxation session. Appreciation and relief was also expressed by some parents at being able to have a break from their children. From these responses most families seemed to have enjoyed their weekend and felt that their family relationships as well as those with their workers had been enriched. They generally felt good about the organisation, activities and venue but were prepared to take risks and would have been willing to participate in more therapeutic activities were they offered.
Workers’ Response The content of the questionnaire distributed to client families did not directly parallel that of the workers’ objectives (see Table 1). However, there was some co-relation between the responses. There were two types of goals given priority. Goals 1 & 2 sought long-term changes in the family while Goals 3 & 6 sought to have an immediate effect for the families, i.e., workers observing interactions and families enjoying a different experience. Table 1. Goals Achieved for Each Family as Nominated (Names Listed Below Are Fictional)
Family
Goal --GSL
1
Goal 2
Goal 3
Goal 6
Goal 7
GSL
Goal 4 ---GSL
Goal 5
GSL
GSL
GSL
GSL
.._ .._ .._ .._ . . ___ .._
_-___ .__ ___ . . . _.. .._
-_.__ .__ .__ _ _ _ .._ ___
.._ .._ .._ _-_ _ - _ .._ .._
--___ __.__ . . . . . . ___
66-
332
White Cobb Moss Rent Snow Jebb Sands
.._ .__ ___ . . . . . . _._
_... ___ .__ ___ . . . . . . . . .
Total
553
544
l
l
l
by the Workers
41-
55-
G = Goal; S = Short-term achievement; L = Long-term achievement. Goals: 1. To reduce social isolation; 2. Develop and improve client/worker relationships; 3. For observation of parent/child interaction; 4. Improving behaviour management; 5. Promote father/child interaction; 6. Families to have different experience; 7. Any others.
322
314
Vere Berger
The goal of reducing social isolation (Goal 1) was given priority for most of the families and it was felt that there were long-term benefits for three of them. Two couples developed a close friendship and both still socialise and babysit for each other. For another lady who had few social contacts and low self-esteem, the ability to socialise in a group situation and be accepted was considered to be a gain, although only in the short-term. The weekend highlighted to one mother the dangers of over-protecting her child and motivated her to seek more social contacts for her child. (To illustrate this further, at Penguin Island, mothers, for whom the goals were the raising of self-esteem and reducing social isolation, organised future outings together). Another objective given high priority for most of the families was in promoting client-worker relationships (Goal 2). One family was more able to accept treatment proposals, since the weekend helped to consolidate trust and confidence in the worker. Another family was now able to accept a new officer when the original worker left the unit since they had already met each other in relaxed and friendly surroundings. Generally speaking the workers’ impressions were supported by comments by the families about “being human after all.” Most workers felt that they had been given an opportunity to observe more closely parent-child interaction for further treatment purposes (Goal 3); this goal having been nominated for most of the families. Related to this goal was also the opportunity of observing marital relationships. One family at least did however appear too threatened for any positive observations to be accurate. The goal related to child management techniques was not easily measurable. But making the parents aware that if occupied and entertained, the children behaved reasonably well, indicated that in a general way this goal was reached for some. The results were disappointing in relation to the goal indicating greater involvement of father and child. However a goal in respect of one father was in the worker’s own words “for him (the abusing parent) to observe other men demonstrate gentleness and caring for his wife and child without it detracting from his ‘male’ image.” The worker felt that he had previously learnt that this was not permissible to him without feeling embarrassed. While there was some development in this father’s relationship with his child, the element which seemed to benefit him was the improvement in his marital relationship. One of the unexpected achievements of the weekend but which was not one of the listed goals was the parents commenting how much it had brought them closer together. In the future the structure of the weekend could be organised in such a way as to develop this goal.
CONCLUSIONS Taking both client and worker responses into account and the variation in their format, there did however appear to be recurring themes, i.e., that the weekend was an enjoyable and satisfying experience; that some client families had made friends which would last beyond the duration of the weekend; and there was an immediate improvement in the client worker relationships; and marital functioning, and more positive attitudes towards the children by the parents. Reports by both clients and workers did indicate therefore that the weekend had been of benefit to most families. Families who are invited but decline the invitation must be considered and should possibly be informed about the weekend. How do we reach these families and encourage them to come next time? Do we encourage those who did attend to record their experiences which could then be shared with reluctant clients? Perhaps there is a need for a more purposeful and accurate process of evaluation: For instance the client questionnaire could be more related to the objectives as specified by the social worker. Questions asked of the client should be more directly related to aspects of their relationships with their children and spouses. Another idea would be to ask the spouses to complete separate questionnaires.
Residential
weekends as an aid to case management
IMPLICATIONS
315
FOR THE FUTURE
The project can only be seen as an aid to case management in terms of reducing some of the clients defences about being involved in the welfare. It cannot be seen as being a complete treatment package. Neither should it necessarily apply only to the needs of Child Protection families. For future weekends we would hope to run them over three days with more therapeutic input without taking the “fun” aspect away from the weekend. A follow-up weekend with the same families has been considered but shortage of resources could defeat the aim of exposing as many families as possible to the experience. It is hoped to hold two weekends a year for intact and single parent families alternatively.
0145-2134/81/03030%07SO2.00/0 Copyright 0 1981 Pergamon Press Ltd.
1981
RESIDENTIAL WEEKENDS FOR CLIENT FAMILIES AS AN AID TO CASE MANAGEMENT VEREBERGER Master in Social Work, 371 Scarborough
Beach Road, Woodlands,
6018, Western Australia
Abstract-This paper is a descriptive study of three weekends organised for a small group of client families of a Child Protection Unit of a State Welfare Department. Clients of the Child Life Protection Unit are those families with children up to the age of 6 years, i.e., the pre-school child where abuse has occurred or where a child is at severe risk of abuse. The purpose of the weekends was to assist in case management. Families were encouraged to participate in formal and informal activities as a group. Evaluation of the weekend was by way of a questionnaire answered by client families together with their informal responses and whether goals set down by the workers had been achieved after a period of time. It was found that comments made by the clients did have some co-relation with several goals which were nominated by the social workers. From the results obtained, the weekend was considered as a success in respect of most families who attended. It was particularly encouraging because the agency is a statutory agency where barriers in view of the workers’ authority role are not easily overcome. R&umdTrois fins de semaine ont et6 organisCes pour un petit groupe de familles, sous l’tgide de la Protection de I’Enfance rattachee au DCpartement des Affaires Socialies de I’Etat. I1 s’agissait de familles avec enfants en bas 8ge, avec risque tlevC de maltraitance ou maltraitance effective. L’idBe etait qu’une tin de semaine pas&e en commun am6lior&ait les rapports entre ces familles et les travailleurs sociaux, et permettrait aussi aux dites familles de se rendre compte qu’il en existait d’autres ayant les m&mes problbmes qu’elles. Le questionnaire rempli par les families ?I la fin de 1’expCrience a indiqu6 que celle-ci pouvait &tre consid&e comme un succ&, notamment en ce qui conceme les rapports avec ces reptisentants de l’Auto& que sont les travailleurs sociaux.
ORIGINS
OF PROJECT
THE IDEA of client families participating in a residential situation for a week or weekend is not a new concept within the Department for Community Welfare. However it had never been attempted before, with families where children had been abused. The idea was developed by the supervisor after a study which had shown welfare recipients feelings of alienation from workers in the statutory agency. This approach was seen to be one way of promoting better client-worker relationships. It was also believed that families might benefit from realising that they were not alone with their problems and this could be seen as a means of providing mutual support. Furthermore, it was felt that father figures in client families were either too tired or too busy to be involved in treatment in the evenings. An attitude of Australian society is that fathers often remain uninvolved, leaving the parenting up to their wives. A more thorough analysis of the third weekend at Jarrahdale was undertaken and findings for the purpose of this paper are based on the analysis of that weekend only but with some supporting evidence from previous weekends. OBJECTIVES
OF PROJECT
As each weekend took place, objectives workable objectives appeared to be:
were modified according to the client group. The most
This paper was presented 1981.
Congress
at: The Third International
309
on Child Abuse and Neglect,
Amsterdam,
April 21-25,
Vere Berger
310
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
To reduce social isolation of families. To develop and improve relationships with social workers for further treatment purposes. For workers to observe parent/child interaction over a more extended period. To demonstrate to parents, appropriate handling of their child’s behaviour problems. (a) In the case of intact families-to encourage both parents (father in particular) to be more involved in recreational activities with their children. (b) In the case of single mothers-to stimulate a more positive attitude towards being a single parent by developing self-esteem. 6. To enable families to experience and enjoy a different environment from home pressures. 7. Any other goal not stated above which a worker might choose for a particular family.
ORGANISATION Organisation of the weekend was undertaken by officers in the unit. It has to be staffed during the week at all times. Therefore the project was held over the weekend, from Friday to Sunday afternoon, in order that fathers and social workers could attend.
Venue The weekends were held at Yanchep (for intact families); Penguin Island (for single parent families); and Jam&dale (for intact families). The first two were holiday beach resorts with accommodation for family units, and Jar&dale is a purpose built holiday village administered by a nonprofit making organisation run by the Catholic Church. The Department for Community Welfare has holiday facilities for teenagers but these are not suitable for families.
Selection
of Families
Workers were asked to select three families on their caseload. Invitations were issued well before the weekend, but last minute refusals could not be avoided. In some instances, families invited at the last minute were very happy to attend the weekend. Single mothers and children were more easily recruited than intact families in view of the father’s work commitments and the smaller number of intact families on each worker’s caseload. Mixing both family types was found not to be suitable since the single mothers felt different and disadvantaged alongside the “intact” families. Most were from the lower socioeconomic groups since they comprised the largest section of the client group. Others selected were families where children had been separated from their parents, for example, in view of the severe risk to the child, and the weekend was used by the worker as an opportunity to observe the family’s functioning. On two weekends, two former clients were invited, to share their experiences and to help with the organisation. Those who were felt to be potentially disruptive were not invited. Preparation
of Families for the Weekend
Families were initially invited by their officer who discussed with them the purposes weekend. This was later followed by a letter of practical details by the organiser.
of the
Cost and Equipment Payment for the weekend was obtained from the Unit budget under operational costs. These costs were kept to a minimum, since disadvantaged families were charged at a low rate by the
Residential
weekends as an aid to case management
311
owners of Jar&dale. The client families were asked to contribute a small amount but were not pressed to do so if they were unable. Food and accommodation for seven families and about five workers came to approximately $600 for the weekend. Transport and provision of sports equipment, bedding, food and calculation of menus was undertaken through the residential services section of the Department for Community Welfare. Toys were borrowed from the Early Childhood Branch of the Department. Other equipment was hired from other government agencies. Since people felt stigmatised as “welfare families” at being transported in the Departmental bus on the first weekend, this was not again attempted and families made their own way or were given lifts.
Accommodation Families were accommodated in cabins with some cooking facilities. There was a central hall with a fully equipped kitchen. Facilities included a swimming pool, playground, bush-walking and barbecue area. Nearby was an adventure playground.
Programme
Structure
It proved very important for the families to be met by someone they knew on arrival, offered a cup of tea and introduced to others. A notice-board with a programme of suggested activities and menus were useful as a point of reference. Comments or suggestions were invited. For instance, at Penguin Island, a poem written by one of the women expressing her feelings at the time, was posted on the board. A weekend where families wer given too much freedom to create their own activities left them feeling aimless. They were responsive to new experiences as long as they were given some direction. By the third weekend a good balance had been achieved. During the meal on the first evening the purpose of the weekend was again discussed with the parents as a group. Encouragement was given to parents to put forward ideas or organise something themselves. Activities included team and musical games, dressing up, craft work, film shows and a treasure hunt. Folk-dancing was another item whereby parents and children were invited to participate. Therapeutic activities consisted of a relaxation session for adults, a welcome change from the noise and activity in the hall. A group discussion exploring parenting problems was held at the first weekend, but this was rejected by the single mothers at Penguin Island who said that they wanted to forget their problems, so this was not programmed for Jarrahdale. A central meeting place, large enough for a dining and children’s play area, was essential for group cohesion. The midday and evening meals were taken together. Much time was allowed for informal communication, particularly around meal times. While in the hall the children did not need close supervision, since there was plenty for them to do. Events were organised in such a way that the programme for the first morning was a joint activity between parents and children. Later in the weekend, once the children had been accustomed to their environment, the parents spent more time on their own together. The weekend finished with a joint activity. A very important aspect of the weekend proved to be the social evenings after the children had gone to bed. Adults were able to enjoy quiz games, play cards and listen to music. An evening without television appeared to be a new experience to them. A contribution of mutual benefit to all concerned was by a group of young unemployed people who had undertaken some training in child-care. They acted as babysitters at times when clients and workers needed to be together.
312
Vere Berger
CLIENT-WORKER
RELATIONSHIPS
There was a high staff-client ratio. Most of the unit workers attended for at least part of the weekend. The important factor was that the client’s social worker was available. Apprehension was at first felt by workers at this personal exposure but their concerns were unfounded. As the weekend developed the workers felt a sense of relief at being able to relax their official image. On the first weekend each cabin was shared between an officer and family. After feeling uncomfortable about this at first, both were able to get to know one another as people with interests and opinions outside their respective roles. (However, separate accommodation was preferred by officers on subsequent weekends since the intensity of contact was tiring and it was necessary to retire to a quiet place, to discuss the programme, or any problems which may have arisen). While one mother became more “enmeshed” with her social worker, most did not make such demands. While people related to each other in a friendly and frank way, the clients understood there were boundaries to intimacy with the workers. The workers felt that the clients went away from the weekend appreciating that the worker genuinely cared but had a job to do, part of which was the statutory role, which was at times unpleasant but necessary.
The Isolated Client Other than the few adults who wished to remain isolated from the rest, most however shy had been able to feel comfortable with someone by the end of the weekend. Since the children had no inhibitions and played with one another, adults tended to be drawn into conversation through their children.
EVALUATION
Clients’ Response The questionnaire given to the clients relating to their experience of the weekend sought information in three main areas-experience gained from the weekend, organisation and content in terms of activities. Five out of seven families returned the questionnaire. This was considered to be a reasonably good response. Personal experience. Apprehension was expressed by some at the initial invitation; the main reason being concern that their children would behave badly and reflect on them as parents. One parent said she tried to find an excuse not to come. However, another said that she was relieved to have come that weekend since she had struck her baby and was frightened that worse could have happened. All five parents who answered the questionnaire indicated that they felt good about being at Jarrahdale by the end of the first day, and expressed a reluctance to return to the routine of home. Most seemed to feel that apprehensions about being on their best behaviour were quite unnecessary. One commented, “We’re relieved to see that you are all human.” Another said, “Bill and I for one couple especially, took note and were grateful that the workers were at one with the people, and that not one situation arose when we as a couple felt less important than the workers.” In terms of gains made, several parents felt it helped their self-esteem to be with people who had similar difficulties. One said, “When I first walked into that hall I could not believe that all these people had the same problems as myself.” Comments were made by three of the couples that their relationship with their spouse had been enriched and strengthened; that without home pressures and the presence of television they could communicate with each other.
Residential
weekends as an aid to case management
313
Several parents who had been apprehensive about their children’s behaviour were pleasantly surprised at how well they had behaved. They realised when the children were given enough interest and activities, they appeared to be normal, if not better than others. This could be related to the goal to help improve child management techniques. Organisation. All of the respondents felt that Jarrahdale was an ideal place to hold a family weekend, away from the pressures of the city. They felt that the accommodation was comfortable and enjoyed the privacy of their own cabins. The general consensus was that the weekend should have been three days. Several enjoyed eating in large groups since it was a good way of getting to know each other, although three of the parents made comments that their children tended to be disruptive at meal-times. Activities. Most of the parents felt that there were enough organised activities. Four of the five said they enjoyed the social activity in the evening when the children were in bed. Three of the families indicated that they would have liked more therapeutic input, i.e., in terms of discussion groups regarding personal problems and child management. One parent commented that she could fall asleep more quickly at night after learning a technique to relax during the relaxation session. Appreciation and relief was also expressed by some parents at being able to have a break from their children. From these responses most families seemed to have enjoyed their weekend and felt that their family relationships as well as those with their workers had been enriched. They generally felt good about the organisation, activities and venue but were prepared to take risks and would have been willing to participate in more therapeutic activities were they offered.
Workers’ Response The content of the questionnaire distributed to client families did not directly parallel that of the workers’ objectives (see Table 1). However, there was some co-relation between the responses. There were two types of goals given priority. Goals 1 & 2 sought long-term changes in the family while Goals 3 & 6 sought to have an immediate effect for the families, i.e., workers observing interactions and families enjoying a different experience. Table 1. Goals Achieved for Each Family as Nominated (Names Listed Below Are Fictional)
Family
Goal --GSL
1
Goal 2
Goal 3
Goal 6
Goal 7
GSL
Goal 4 ---GSL
Goal 5
GSL
GSL
GSL
GSL
.._ .._ .._ .._ . . ___ .._
_-___ .__ ___ . . . _.. .._
-_.__ .__ .__ _ _ _ .._ ___
.._ .._ .._ _-_ _ - _ .._ .._
--___ __.__ . . . . . . ___
66-
332
White Cobb Moss Rent Snow Jebb Sands
.._ .__ ___ . . . . . . _._
_... ___ .__ ___ . . . . . . . . .
Total
553
544
l
l
l
by the Workers
41-
55-
G = Goal; S = Short-term achievement; L = Long-term achievement. Goals: 1. To reduce social isolation; 2. Develop and improve client/worker relationships; 3. For observation of parent/child interaction; 4. Improving behaviour management; 5. Promote father/child interaction; 6. Families to have different experience; 7. Any others.
322
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Vere Berger
The goal of reducing social isolation (Goal 1) was given priority for most of the families and it was felt that there were long-term benefits for three of them. Two couples developed a close friendship and both still socialise and babysit for each other. For another lady who had few social contacts and low self-esteem, the ability to socialise in a group situation and be accepted was considered to be a gain, although only in the short-term. The weekend highlighted to one mother the dangers of over-protecting her child and motivated her to seek more social contacts for her child. (To illustrate this further, at Penguin Island, mothers, for whom the goals were the raising of self-esteem and reducing social isolation, organised future outings together). Another objective given high priority for most of the families was in promoting client-worker relationships (Goal 2). One family was more able to accept treatment proposals, since the weekend helped to consolidate trust and confidence in the worker. Another family was now able to accept a new officer when the original worker left the unit since they had already met each other in relaxed and friendly surroundings. Generally speaking the workers’ impressions were supported by comments by the families about “being human after all.” Most workers felt that they had been given an opportunity to observe more closely parent-child interaction for further treatment purposes (Goal 3); this goal having been nominated for most of the families. Related to this goal was also the opportunity of observing marital relationships. One family at least did however appear too threatened for any positive observations to be accurate. The goal related to child management techniques was not easily measurable. But making the parents aware that if occupied and entertained, the children behaved reasonably well, indicated that in a general way this goal was reached for some. The results were disappointing in relation to the goal indicating greater involvement of father and child. However a goal in respect of one father was in the worker’s own words “for him (the abusing parent) to observe other men demonstrate gentleness and caring for his wife and child without it detracting from his ‘male’ image.” The worker felt that he had previously learnt that this was not permissible to him without feeling embarrassed. While there was some development in this father’s relationship with his child, the element which seemed to benefit him was the improvement in his marital relationship. One of the unexpected achievements of the weekend but which was not one of the listed goals was the parents commenting how much it had brought them closer together. In the future the structure of the weekend could be organised in such a way as to develop this goal.
CONCLUSIONS Taking both client and worker responses into account and the variation in their format, there did however appear to be recurring themes, i.e., that the weekend was an enjoyable and satisfying experience; that some client families had made friends which would last beyond the duration of the weekend; and there was an immediate improvement in the client worker relationships; and marital functioning, and more positive attitudes towards the children by the parents. Reports by both clients and workers did indicate therefore that the weekend had been of benefit to most families. Families who are invited but decline the invitation must be considered and should possibly be informed about the weekend. How do we reach these families and encourage them to come next time? Do we encourage those who did attend to record their experiences which could then be shared with reluctant clients? Perhaps there is a need for a more purposeful and accurate process of evaluation: For instance the client questionnaire could be more related to the objectives as specified by the social worker. Questions asked of the client should be more directly related to aspects of their relationships with their children and spouses. Another idea would be to ask the spouses to complete separate questionnaires.
Residential
weekends as an aid to case management
IMPLICATIONS
315
FOR THE FUTURE
The project can only be seen as an aid to case management in terms of reducing some of the clients defences about being involved in the welfare. It cannot be seen as being a complete treatment package. Neither should it necessarily apply only to the needs of Child Protection families. For future weekends we would hope to run them over three days with more therapeutic input without taking the “fun” aspect away from the weekend. A follow-up weekend with the same families has been considered but shortage of resources could defeat the aim of exposing as many families as possible to the experience. It is hoped to hold two weekends a year for intact and single parent families alternatively.