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The project. ICPSFaHCSIA C4CNorthside Community ServicesParents in receipt of income support, raising children under five, on their own in North Canberra. An integrated system of support . Aims. Increase knowledge of the social networks and service use of sole parents, in receipt of income support, with very young childrenUse knowledge to facilitate more
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1. Working in the GreySystem collaboration to help parents be the best they can beGail Winkworth, Morag McArthur and Megan Layton ThompsonInstitute of Child Protection Studies
2. The project ICPS
FaHCSIA C4C
Northside Community Services
Parents in receipt of income support, raising children under five, on their own in North Canberra Interested in this group because the enduring experience of practitioners and long standing research evidence of the vulnerability of very isolated parents with very young children they are the most financially poor group in our society and the highest number of reports of child abuse and neglect consistently involve this family grouping. To find a way of reaching out and more effectively supporting these very vulnerable families
Interested in this group because the enduring experience of practitioners and long standing research evidence of the vulnerability of very isolated parents with very young children they are the most financially poor group in our society and the highest number of reports of child abuse and neglect consistently involve this family grouping. To find a way of reaching out and more effectively supporting these very vulnerable families
3. An integrated system of support
The research tests and builds on earlier research
The diagram helps us think about bridging the interface between siloed services to achieve a more integrated system of support and to increase child safety and wellbeing
An integrated system of support can be conceptualised as one which differentiates responses to vulnerable children and families, according to their needs along a number of different dimensions and at different points in time. We identify two dimensions (axes) that are directly relevant to increasing childrens safety and wellbeing: social connectedness and optimum parenting conditions (ie: such as employment, income, housing, health etc). The relationship between the axes represents the whole population of parents at any particular time from people who are very isolated and have major barriers to parenting at one end to those who are very well supported and have optimal parenting conditions. It also represents an integrated service system including, intensive, targeted and universal services.
However the reality is that although many services may exist and indeed be universally offered, these three levels are actually quite siloed
. many families who may benefit from services at the universal and targeted level, are not able to access them. In this conceptual framework we argue that these preventative levels can become more accessible to vulnerable families if there are conscious activities carried out in the blurred grey interface between these levels. We call these activities or strategies: assertive outreach and supportive linking.
The research tests and builds on earlier research
The diagram helps us think about bridging the interface between siloed services to achieve a more integrated system of support and to increase child safety and wellbeing
An integrated system of support can be conceptualised as one which differentiates responses to vulnerable children and families, according to their needs along a number of different dimensions and at different points in time. We identify two dimensions (axes) that are directly relevant to increasing childrens safety and wellbeing: social connectedness and optimum parenting conditions (ie: such as employment, income, housing, health etc). The relationship between the axes represents the whole population of parents at any particular time from people who are very isolated and have major barriers to parenting at one end to those who are very well supported and have optimal parenting conditions. It also represents an integrated service system including, intensive, targeted and universal services.
However the reality is that although many services may exist and indeed be universally offered, these three levels are actually quite siloed
. many families who may benefit from services at the universal and targeted level, are not able to access them. In this conceptual framework we argue that these preventative levels can become more accessible to vulnerable families if there are conscious activities carried out in the blurred grey interface between these levels. We call these activities or strategies: assertive outreach and supportive linking.
4. Aims Increase knowledge of the social networks and service use of sole parents, in receipt of income support, with very young children
Use knowledge to facilitate more working across the grey between universal, targeted and intensive services Want to turn concepts into practice
How can we develop a more integrated system of support for isolated parents with young children?
What could working across the grey interface between siloed universal, targeted and intensive services look like?
First what can we learn about the way isolated parents currently experience the service system?
Want to turn concepts into practice
How can we develop a more integrated system of support for isolated parents with young children?
What could working across the grey interface between siloed universal, targeted and intensive services look like?
First what can we learn about the way isolated parents currently experience the service system?
5. The research approach Working in the Grey
Invitation to participants through Centrelink
Survey (55 parents, 96 children, 60% <2)
In depth Interviews with 20 parents
Focus groups with parents to check our findings
Multiple forums with service providers
35% of the cohort of sole parents on income support, with children under 5 in two North Canberra postcodes took part in the research
Centrelink identified 156 parents in receipt of Parenting Payment (Single) with children under 5 years of age living in the postcodes 2602 and 2612.
Phone calls were made to each parent.
Centrelink was able to make contact with 83, 63 of whom agreed to participate in the research.
Researchers from the Institute were able to make contact with 55 of the 63; all 55 agreed to participate in the telephone survey.
One hundred per cent of those contacted agreed to participate in the initial phone survey and 100% agreed to be contacted at a later point in the research if this was deemed appropriate.
This is a response rate of 35% of the cohort of sole parents on income support, Centrelink identified 156 parents in receipt of Parenting Payment (Single) with children under 5 years of age living in the postcodes 2602 and 2612.
Phone calls were made to each parent.
Centrelink was able to make contact with 83, 63 of whom agreed to participate in the research.
Researchers from the Institute were able to make contact with 55 of the 63; all 55 agreed to participate in the telephone survey.
One hundred per cent of those contacted agreed to participate in the initial phone survey and 100% agreed to be contacted at a later point in the research if this was deemed appropriate.
This is a response rate of 35% of the cohort of sole parents on income support,
6. Findings Two thirds parents
high parental efficacy
well connected to formal and informal supports
know where to get parenting information
good use of resources
But 37%
not at all well connected and feel judged by their families, their communities and formal services
7. Know anyone well enough to
.
8. Services accessed last 12 months
9. Really needed help couldnt get it
% of total responses% of total responses
10. Social Connectedness Barnes et, al (Barnes, Katz, Korbin, & O'Brien, 2006) found that it is usually the case that parents, including more affluent parents, access community services such as family centres through their informal networks; they are unlikely to go along unless they know someone who is already involved. There are particular challenges faced by some low income families who do not have access to the range of complex and rich social networks enjoyed by more affluent families. The family and neighbourhood networks of financially disadvantaged families, for example, can be conflicted as well as supportive; some studies have shown they actually undermine access to external social support such as home visitation programs (Barnes, MacPherson, & Senior, 2006; Ghate & Hazel, 2002). Furthermore, networks of support work best when parents can reciprocate the small favours which bind informal social support networks. Parents who do not have sufficient human capital to do this (such as those with many barriers identified in Butterworths research above) tend to be isolated from both formal and informal support and the social capital which aid parents in coping with the stresses and demands of raising young childrenBarnes et, al (Barnes, Katz, Korbin, & O'Brien, 2006) found that it is usually the case that parents, including more affluent parents, access community services such as family centres through their informal networks; they are unlikely to go along unless they know someone who is already involved. There are particular challenges faced by some low income families who do not have access to the range of complex and rich social networks enjoyed by more affluent families. The family and neighbourhood networks of financially disadvantaged families, for example, can be conflicted as well as supportive; some studies have shown they actually undermine access to external social support such as home visitation programs (Barnes, MacPherson, & Senior, 2006; Ghate & Hazel, 2002). Furthermore, networks of support work best when parents can reciprocate the small favours which bind informal social support networks. Parents who do not have sufficient human capital to do this (such as those with many barriers identified in Butterworths research above) tend to be isolated from both formal and informal support and the social capital which aid parents in coping with the stresses and demands of raising young children
11. Twenty in-depth interviews Children disabilities, serious behavioural/emotional/ health issues)Children disabilities, serious behavioural/emotional/ health issues)
12. Social Networks of 20 parents
11 no contact with clubs or organizations
9 no contact with neighbours
7 no contact with work or school
2 no contact with friends
All with at least 1 member of their own or their ex-partners extended family
Average social network size 14 people (median was 13.5)
Network size ranged 5 to 37 people
On average 41% were either household members or extended family .
On average 19% were friends
On average 21% were formal services
Completion of the main elements of a social network mapping instrument which were developed by Whittaker and Tracy (Tracy & Whittaker, 1990; Whittaker & Garbarino, 1983), The Social Network Map is a hands on survey, in which the interviewer and interviewee use a simple grid and coloured cards to list and categorise social networks. Participants are asked to list people they have had contact with over the past three months. The interviewer then asks questions about: ;
types of support given (practical, emotional, advice/information)
the availability of that support
the direction of support (whether reciprocal or not)
the closeness of relationships
how long supportive relationships have existed and how often contact is made
Other questions about perception of parenting capability, their experiences with formal services in their locality and the kinds of strategies that they believe would assist them in accessing services in the future.
Social Networks of 20 parents
11 no contact with clubs or organizations
9 no contact with neighbours
7 no contact with work or school
2 no contact with friends
All with at least 1 member of their own or their ex-partners extended family
Average social network size 14 people (median was 13.5)
Network size ranged 5 to 37 people
On average 41% were either household members or extended family .
On average 19% were friends
On average 21% were formal services
Completion of the main elements of a social network mapping instrument which were developed by Whittaker and Tracy (Tracy & Whittaker, 1990; Whittaker & Garbarino, 1983), The Social Network Map is a hands on survey, in which the interviewer and interviewee use a simple grid and coloured cards to list and categorise social networks. Participants are asked to list people they have had contact with over the past three months. The interviewer then asks questions about: ;
types of support given (practical, emotional, advice/information)
the availability of that support
the direction of support (whether reciprocal or not)
the closeness of relationships
how long supportive relationships have existed and how often contact is made
Other questions about perception of parenting capability, their experiences with formal services in their locality and the kinds of strategies that they believe would assist them in accessing services in the future.
13. Parents aspirations To be a good parent
To obtain further skills and qualifications so that they could get better jobs in the future.
To find employment which would enable them to increase their financial means but also spend the right amount of time with their very young children
14. Being the best I can be - barriers Because all Im doing is stressing out about going home, being at home and the effects its having on [my baby]more than everything else which is all I really care about if that hasnt been clear enough
I cant be the best mother I could be, I can be
Mother aged 18, raising her two year old on her own, living in the Northbourne flats
15. 1. Want to move forward but cant Affordable, flexible, high quality child care
Help in the home
Meeting others like me
Having enough money
16. Child care that is flexible, affordable Ive done it about 4 or 5 times now, I ring up and then go, oh waiting list, waiting list, waiting list
and to be honest its left me balling sometimes, like I have been balling, going, Im never going to be out of my house, Im always just going to be in my house until he goes to school
(9)
I had to give up Uni because I couldnt afford more childcare(61)
I need day care. I want to go back to work to complete my apprenticeship.(38)
Child care so I can study at night (24)
It [work] is from 4-7 or 4 to 8.There is no childcare in the entire state or territory that can go after 6 oclock ,which will take them at that kind of hour (28)
Ive been trying to get traineeships but no one wants to hire me
Im not as flexible as anyone else
others say I can do anything you want, 8 to 5
I come in and say at the moment Im only available 3 days
.because Im not putting [my child] in fulltime [care]
.If I could Id do accounting, maths
I love it
.I want to go to CIT and do accounting
.(31)
To have a night off. I study and live in a noisy area. There are parties every night and its hard to sleep. I need time to myself occasionally (like one night off a month). Childcare needs to be flexible (49)
Time for me so good childcare [participant not well supported by family or friends and no neighbour support at all I hate where Im living(13).
Someone to babysit my kids
just 20 minutes a week for myself (7)
Im finding it really difficult and Ive been told I need to go on 15 waiting lists and you know I had the opportunity of starting a job and I cant get him into daycare so
I cant work and then that creates sort of some depression and then more of the isolation stuff.(9)
I had to give up Uni because I couldnt afford more childcare(61)
I need day care. I want to go back to work to complete my apprenticeship.(38)
Child care so I can study at night (24)
It [work] is from 4-7 or 4 to 8.There is no childcare in the entire state or territory that can go after 6 oclock ,which will take them at that kind of hour (28)
Ive been trying to get traineeships but no one wants to hire me
Im not as flexible as anyone else
others say I can do anything you want, 8 to 5
I come in and say at the moment Im only available 3 days
.because Im not putting [my child] in fulltime [care]
.If I could Id do accounting, maths
I love it
.I want to go to CIT and do accounting
.(31)
To have a night off. I study and live in a noisy area. There are parties every night and its hard to sleep. I need time to myself occasionally (like one night off a month). Childcare needs to be flexible (49)
Time for me so good childcare [participant not well supported by family or friends and no neighbour support at all I hate where Im living(13).
Someone to babysit my kids
just 20 minutes a week for myself (7)
Im finding it really difficult and Ive been told I need to go on 15 waiting lists and you know I had the opportunity of starting a job and I cant get him into daycare so
I cant work and then that creates sort of some depression and then more of the isolation stuff.(9)
17. More help in the home
[any support I want?.]someone to just check in on me once a week (29)
I think well, youve got no concept of what its like to look after 3 kids
this age [under 5], by yourself, around the clock
youve got no idea (59)
[just want] ..someone to just check in on me once a week (29)
Even just a phone call
just to talk to someone
another adult just a few minutes every day and not have to go out to do it
I just need someone to talk to every so often and I just dont have it (48)
18. Im OK now
now I think Im doing great
.back then I think I could have done with a lot more. Id just sit there and either cry or anything
cause I just lost the plot
I had no patience with her
(31)
I thought Id never get that weak to do those type of things um I thought of suicide several times, I even tried it,
like those type of thoughts
I didnt want to be around my kids
I hated them, I rejected them
(5)
I thought Id never get that weak to do those type of things um I thought of suicide several times, I even tried it,
like those type of thoughts
I didnt want to be around my kids
I hated them, I rejected them
(5)
19. Meeting people like me I think more help with the parent groups
because the ones I got printed off I thought thats not me
(13)
Id really like to meet people who I felt I had something in common with
I dont like to be somewhere and just be in need of help, I like to be somewhere where I can be a valuable contribution to the environment that Im in (59)
Most of the time they were talking about I need a new cleaner and things like that. It was so different to my experience (49)
Most of the time they were talking about I need a new cleaner and things like that. It was so different to my experience (49)
20. Enough money All the supports I had set up, all my little supports that were going to keep me, and I couldnt contact them and they didnt know what had happened to me, and
it was a vulnerable period. I didnt get my phone on for ages and then my friend and family stuff started falling apart ...It wiped out the last quarter of the year
it was very stressful having a very active kid running around everywhere.(33)
All parents spoke about living on a financial knife edge and what this actually meant for accessing services that they would like to offer their young children. Several parents spoke about the difficulties they had with Child Support Payment and about managing the interface between their income support arrangements and child support.
Another spoke of the catastrophic implications for her support networks of reductions in social security payments due to misunderstandings and lack of clear expectations. She was struggling with drinking and pot smoking during a particularly difficult phase in her life and had just been through rehabilitation, set up support networks and was going well. She had been given a Domestic Violence exemption from the Child Support Agency. However, she was unaware that the exemption had run out after 12 months, and her income dropped without warning by $150 a fortnight . She was subsequently unable to pay her bills and her phone and internet were cut off . She went into Centrelink to get help, waited 3 weeks for an appointment with a social worker, then she was given a telephone allowance.
All parents spoke about living on a financial knife edge and what this actually meant for accessing services that they would like to offer their young children. Several parents spoke about the difficulties they had with Child Support Payment and about managing the interface between their income support arrangements and child support.
Another spoke of the catastrophic implications for her support networks of reductions in social security payments due to misunderstandings and lack of clear expectations. She was struggling with drinking and pot smoking during a particularly difficult phase in her life and had just been through rehabilitation, set up support networks and was going well. She had been given a Domestic Violence exemption from the Child Support Agency. However, she was unaware that the exemption had run out after 12 months, and her income dropped without warning by $150 a fortnight . She was subsequently unable to pay her bills and her phone and internet were cut off . She went into Centrelink to get help, waited 3 weeks for an appointment with a social worker, then she was given a telephone allowance.
21. 2. Fear and Shame Unsafe environments
Fearful for children
Feeling judged and ashamed
Fear of ex partners
22. Unsafe environments Dangerous neighbours, drug and alcohol use, violence, noise, possessions being stolen,
Violence of ex partners who for example, broke down doors and engaged in actual violence in the presence or hearing of children (not just their own but children in other flats)
Lack of safe outdoor space for children to play in
Rental assistance not enough to assist with private rental costs
Parents able to offer their children a house and a yard of any size tended more secure and happy in their environment.
If they really want to provide safe housing for mothers and children they should think about where they put them
.I was desperate but I had to refuse the accommodation because it was so unsafe (46)
If they really want to provide safe housing for mothers and children they should think about where they put them
.I was desperate but I had to refuse the accommodation because it was so unsafe (46)
23. Fear for children
Children distressed by fighting, arguing, abuse between neighbours, verbal and physical violence, intimidating situations directed at their children and themselves in stairwells
When I go outside my door I dont feel safe at all
at all
I expect not to have a car seat there or I expect to have my window smashed
I dont want [my child] to grow up in a community that thinks that stuff is OK(13)
. the junkies downstairs
and theyre always banging and yelling and fighting
and now the baby hears banging and she thinks its the people downstairs
and
it scares her a lot too
she comes running saying, mummy mummy are you OK are you OK? (31)
Im thinking
Im alright
but what about my child
what is this doing to my child? (39)
In contrast
If there was an emergency, I would feel comfortable going to my neighbours
not that I have, but I would feel comfortable to (19) (mother living in stand alone house)
. the junkies downstairs
and theyre always banging and yelling and fighting
and now the baby hears banging and she thinks its the people downstairs
and
it scares her a lot too
she comes running saying, mummy mummy are you OK are you OK? (31)
Im thinking
Im alright
but what about my child
what is this doing to my child? (39)
In contrast
If there was an emergency, I would feel comfortable going to my neighbours
not that I have, but I would feel comfortable to (19) (mother living in stand alone house)
24. Feeling judged and ashamed When I mentioned to the
nurse that I was having relationship problems and where I lived she became patronising [her tone] changed. She thought that I lived in the government flats. I didnt but I was being judged for even living near them (11)
I was forever trying to prove that I was a good mother [parent referring to her interactions with a family support service worker](59)I was forever trying to prove that I was a good mother [parent referring to her interactions with a family support service worker](59)
25. 3. Just dont know whats out there Dont know about existing information portals
Critical missed opportunities by first to know agencies GPs and MACH, Centrelink and Housing
26. Dont know about existing information portals Would have been good to find out about the refuges earlier
because my life would have been so much simpler [not having to stay with ex](13)
I didnt know about Therapy ACT. Youd think schools, the nurses, someone would have told me about them.
there are so many services and its hard to find out about them (62)
Its difficult to find out about services. Ive only found out about them through other people and friends (30)
[Centrelink compulsory interview] one of those people on the desk
.I waited 50 minutes and I told them .
is someone going to put another dollar in my meter or what
because I made it pretty clear I wasnt happy to have to wait another 50 minutes
she just sat on the computer and said is everything still the same?. I said yes
and she said
alright you can go and Ill do it myself Its difficult to find out about services. Ive only found out about them through other people and friends (30)
[Centrelink compulsory interview] one of those people on the desk
.I waited 50 minutes and I told them .
is someone going to put another dollar in my meter or what
because I made it pretty clear I wasnt happy to have to wait another 50 minutes
she just sat on the computer and said is everything still the same?. I said yes
and she said
alright you can go and Ill do it myself
27.
[Centrelink compulsory interview] one of those people on the desk
.I waited 50 minutes and I told them .
is someone going to put another dollar in my meter or
she just sat on the computer and said is everything still the same? I said yes
and she said
alright you can go and Ill do it myself
Critical missed opportunities first to know agencies
28. 4. Multiple service use - not connected on the merry go round
traumatic lives and lack of trust in institutions
positive role of child care and schools and other normal non stigmatising places
29. Lack of trust in institutions
I dont trust people in organisations
never got any help from them so I dont trust them at all
I dont like them and I do not trust them ..I dont trust many people with my daughter
.. thats why I dont ring no one for help. If I cant do it I ring my mum
.or the doctor
Im not going to ring no one else (38)
There are huge risks in asking for help. People can use your fear of losing your children against you (58)
Yeah I think somehow my trust is all gone
(33)
There are huge risks in asking for help. People can use your fear of losing your children against you (58)
Yeah I think somehow my trust is all gone
(33)
30. On the merry go round
[need] more dedication to actually seeing you through to a safe place. I found that a lot of people were very happy to wash their hands of me when they got some tick or goal of their own done.
I found with mental health like it was, you know so simplify the problem , here is a list of groups and here is our rehab officer that will take you to the shops a few times, there is no follow up, you are not feeling that someone is listening to you and you say you are OK just so you dont have to go through another pointless interview and then you feel guilty because you need the help but then you think that it is still too much. The trouble is I dont want to go through another set of baseline interviews. (33)
SOME OF THESE PARENTS TALKED ABOUT THEIR POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH SCHOOLS AND PRESCHOOLSI found with mental health like it was, you know so simplify the problem , here is a list of groups and here is our rehab officer that will take you to the shops a few times, there is no follow up, you are not feeling that someone is listening to you and you say you are OK just so you dont have to go through another pointless interview and then you feel guilty because you need the help but then you think that it is still too much. The trouble is I dont want to go through another set of baseline interviews. (33)
SOME OF THESE PARENTS TALKED ABOUT THEIR POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH SCHOOLS AND PRESCHOOLS
31. Most supportive services (in top 3 supports) Specific GPs
Inanna Womens Refuge
Centrelink
North Ainslie preschool
Majura Primary School
Salvos
WIRRED
Academic Skills Centre UC
Community Housing Program Northside CC
Health first helpline
Top 3 means in social network maps each parents top three supports were identified. These services were identified by parents as one of their top three (emotional support, concrete support and advice asked if hardly ever, sometimes, almost always provided support in those areasTop 3 means in social network maps each parents top three supports were identified. These services were identified by parents as one of their top three (emotional support, concrete support and advice asked if hardly ever, sometimes, almost always provided support in those areas
32. Others that two or more parents identify as supportive Care and Protection
Therapy ACT
Local child care centres
Centrelinks JET program
Were not in top three but were mentioned by more than two parents as supportive
Were not in top three but were mentioned by more than two parents as supportive
33. Qualities parents appreciate in workers Humanising relationships treated as equals with inherent dignity, they acknowledge that parents are trying to do their best/ a good job
Responsive/ flexible recognise parents need help with multiple issues, going the extra mile (in the grey), linking with other services
Honesty coupled with with a good bedside manner
34.
she was my saving grace
and was so nice about it
she was never condescending about it or anything
[she] seemed to enjoy her job and really enjoy seeing people get back on their own two feet (59)
35. I have a really good doctor
and when I go there he just says to me how are you going ? and I just ball my eyes out crying
I just cry and cry
and he just sits there and lets me cry
and when Im ready to talk hes great
.
36.
shed just listen to what I had to say and not tell me, oh its not my job to listen
I cant help you with this , but shed say I know so and so who works over here
why dont I give them a call (59)
37. Usually I just sit there and if they ask do I need help Ill go nup
and then the Care and Protection worker said whats the main thing [you] need help with? and I said my main one at the moment is parenting because I get impatient real easy and I get angry(12)
38. Ive got a little circle at the moment when it comes to my daughter, where Therapy ACT, Daycare and Care and Protection all are intertwined and they all share when it comes to information because theyre trying to help [my child] as much as they can (5)
39. Main messages Informal and formal supports are needed
Missed opportunities the potential linking role of first to know agencies
Flexible, affordable child care
Enough money - the basic building block of prevention
Safety and wellbeing of children includes safe housing
Assertive outreach and supportive linking help bridge the interface between universal, targeted and intensive services
40. ASSERTIVE OUTREACH - Active efforts to reach and develop supportive relationships with parents who have complex barriers which prevent their use of formal services. Often involve working collaboratively and creatively with other universal, targeted or intensive service providers with whom parents have existing relationships.
41. SUPPORTIVE LINKING Active strategies which support parents to use another service. Often involve making an appointment with the other service, together with parents or on their behalf; or arranging for another service to contact parents; or arranging a joint face to face meeting with the other service in a place that is comfortable for parents; following up to ensure that the link has been made
42. Thanks very much for listening