Words and Pictures - CPFS Learning and Development Site

Words and Pictures
Working Groups
Video Conference – Words and Pictures Working Group
It’s back! The popular Words and Pictures Working Group in back in 2015. Facilitated by video
conference, Katrina Etherington from Resolutions Consultancy, will lead participants through a process
of creating a first draft of a words and pictures explanation to take to the family. Where possible the
group will follow the development of the explanation through to its completion. Katrina will use a
combination of role modeling and active participation to create a story, along with time for questions
and answers in the 90 min sessions.
Training for:
District SPDO’s and APL’s will, where able, assist the groups in their respective
Districts to enhance the learning process.
CPFS Staff
About Words & Pictures
One of the biggest dilemmas for child protection professionals is finding a way to talk about the
seriousness of child abuse allegations with the family and their naturally occurring network, especially
when the concerns are disputed.
Creating a shared story with the parents that captures the seriousness of the concerns in a words and
pictures format to then share with the child and network provides a way through the dilemma and
creates a foundation of openness from which meaningful safety planning can occur.
The words and pictures explanation, (Working with ‘Denied’ Child Abuse, The Resolutions Approach’,
Essex & Turnell, 2006), offers workers a process to create a context in which to open up differing
accounts and explanations and still capture the seriousness of the concerns.
Words and Pictures explanations can be used at the front end, in CPFS casework and for Children in
Care.
How to Participate
• Log into the virtual room identified- usually BLUE if this is available
• Bring a case
• Attend all 6 sessions planned for this year so that you can be part of following a case through the
process
Learning and Development Centre
363 Oxford St, Mt Hawthorn
9222 6000
ldc@cpfs.wa.gov.au
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