Tammy
A Family Group Conference referral was received for a 14-year-old old girl, Tammy, who lived with her mother and brother. Home life was very difficult and the mother struggled to care for both children.
Tammy had been sexually assaulted many times as a young child. Unfortunately, Tammy didn’t receive support for this at the time.
A referral to Daybreak was made by Tammy’s social worker and a Coordinator carried out all the preparatory work for a Family Group Conference. The Coordinator believed it was very important for Tammy to take part in the meeting and have her views heard.
The Family Group Conference was challenging for those who attended at first. Tammy was however supported by an advocate, who was able to share some of Tammy’s views when she needed a break from the session. The following is from the Coordinator:
“I do not have the words to describe the change in the room as the words were read out, falteringly, as the advocate had only had time to scribble them down, but which also helped to express the emotions in the words. Tears were shed and, although no emotion was shown by Tammy’s mother, the arms unfolded and I could see that the family were in unison.”
Tammy re-joined the meeting together they agreed everything that went into the plan. The feedback from the family was positive and reflected their confidence in the plan.
Family Group Conferences provide the opportunity for people to work together with their support network to establish a safe and sustainable way forward.