The Evolution of Differential Response in Ontario

1. The Evolution of Differential Response in Ontario

2. The Evolution of DR in Ontario • Why did we move to a Differential Response Model anyway? • Who drove us to this model? • Stages of Development for the Model • Where we may be at now • How do we move to a higher stage? • What will we leave behind?

3. Approaches to Child Welfare in Ontario The Scoop - 1960’s to Mid 70’s Child Deaths Media DOS Paper Field pressure Research Research-Based, Collaborative Best Practice Approach Outcome focused, Evidenced based, Strength-based, Collaborative Relationships with Clients “Research will guide and inform best practices” TransformationA Chance for the Field to Influence the Pendulum Swing Prototypical Worker Polyanna? Prototypical Worker Darth Vader? Abuse Exists Children as Chattel 1950’s & Earlier Failure of the Sate as a ‘Parent’ Family Preservation 1980’s to 2000 ORAM era 2000 to 2005 Blind Faith/Optimistically Naïve Approach “All parents know what is right for their children” & signs of safety are ignored Liability Focused, Inspectoral Approach Think Dirty, Deficit-based, Adversarial & Formulaic Differential Response “Trust us, we are the professional experts on child safety ” “Trust at all costs that the parents can & will keep their child safe” R Pagnello, 2005

4. What is the Most Influential Contributing Factor for Change in the Therapeutic Process? How do we Impact the Change Process? From“No More Bells & Whistles”Miller, Hubble & Duncan

5. Differential Response Stages of DevelopmentQuadrants High Confidence Enthusiasm Motivation For Differential Response Low Skills, Capacity and Understanding to effectively use Differential Response to meet the needs of children and their families High

6. This is really working for my families!!! Wow, no more ORAM!!! This is a lot more complicated than I thought it would be I still don’t know if I am doing it right Differential Response – Stages of Development High Confidence Enthusiasm Motivation For Differential Response Enthusiastic Beginners Peak Performers Disillusioned Learners Reluctant Contributors Low High Skills, Capacity and Understanding to effectively use Differential Response to meet the needs of children and their families

7. Differential Response – Stages of Development High This is really working for my families!!! Wow, no more ORAM!!! Confidence Enthusiasm Motivation For Differential Response Enthusiastic Beginners Peak Performers Are we here now??? If so, why: • Normal stage of change • Uneven Transformation roll out • Untested IT systems • New standards Learning curve • New Culture vs.ORAM-weaned • CHANGE FATIGUE This is a lot more complicated than I thought it would be I still don’t know if I am doing it right Reluctant Contributors Disillusioned Learners Low High Skills, Capacity and Understanding to effectively use Differential Response to meet the needs of children and their families

8. External Change or Triggere.g. Differential Response Less experienced workers More Work per Case More Workload per worker Higher Turnover/ sick leave Less effective service Less hours per family/child Less Satisfied Workers Negative Cycles – Change’s Twin Vortex Negative Cycle of Worker Frustration Negative Cycle of Workload Inflation • Steep Learning curve • New IT • Training • New standards Adapted from the State of Oregon, Dept of Human Services, Child Welfare Staffing Study, February, 2008 (Mckinsey & Company)

9. Differential Response – Stages of Development High This is really working for my families!!! Wow, no more ORAM!!! Confidence Enthusiasm Motivation For Differential Response Enthusiastic Beginners Peak Performers This is a lot more complicated than I thought it would be I still don’t know if I am doing it right Are we here now??? Pending MCYS Audit Disillusioned Learners Reluctant Contributors Low High Skills, Capacity and Understanding to effectively use Differential Response to meet the needs of children and their families

10. Tragedy Happens Differential Response – Stages of Development High This is really working for my families!!! Wow, no more ORAM!!! Tell Confidence Enthusiasm Motivation For Differential Response Enthusiastic Beginners Peak Performers Delegate Are we here now??? Support/ Reinforce I still don’t know if I am doing it right Sell/Coach This is a lot more complicated than I thought it would be Reluctant Contributors Disillusioned Learners MCYS Audit Low High Skills, Capacity and Understanding to effectively use Differential Response to meet the needs of children and their families

11. Differential Response – Stages of Development High This is really working for my families!!! Wow, no more ORAM!!! Conscious Competence – I know what I am doing Tell Confidence Enthusiasm Motivation For Differential Response Enthusiastic Beginners Peak Performers Unconscious incompetence – I don’t know what I don’t know Delegate Are we here now??? This is a lot more complicated than I thought it would be Support/ Reinforce I still don’t know if I am doing it right Sell/Coach Conscious incompetence – I don’t know anything Unconscious Competence – Know more than I think I do Disillusioned Learners Reluctant Contributors MCYS Audit Low High Skills, Capacity and Understanding to effectively use Differential Response to meet the needs of children and their families

12. Differential Response – Stages of Development High Tell Confidence Enthusiasm Motivation For Differential Response Enthusiastic Beginners Peak Performers Delegate If we are really here now – what can we do to raise the bottom up ??? Support/ Reinforce Sell/Coach Disillusioned Learners Reluctant Contributors MCYS Audit Low High Skills, Capacity and Understanding to effectively use Differential Response to meet the needs of children and their families

13. How Do We Raise the Bottom Up ? • Remember the vision & why we pushed for this – it is getting us closer to why most of us got into the field in the first place – making a difference in the lives of children & families • Expect the lull/fatigue & even cynicism • Encourage training, peer support, lifetime learning • Collaborate regionally and provincially (like this symposium) • Remember the link to Research – this should work • Talk about our successes • Help your agency measure the important stuff – compliance will be covered by the IFR, what about outcomes?

14. = Inertia = Confusion = Diffusion = FRUSTRATION = Fatigue = Crawl = Doubt Managing Change -What do you notice if a key element for change is lacking? Compelling Case Vision Strategy Resources Capability Motivation Feedback =+’ve Change HR Directors Inter-agency Committee – 2005

15. Motivation From the minds to the heart • Most Child welfare professionals don’t leap out of bed in the morning to rush to work to follow an accurate, detailed and comprehensive operational manual and MCYS Standards. • We are much more likely to get excited about our work when we know we are making the difference in the life of a family or a child and can prove it. Differential Response shows promise that it will help us do that.

16. The Evolution of Child Welfare in Ontario DV/DR Research University Research on Engaging Clients etc. CIS ORAM era + ‘ve Focus on keeping children safe +’ve Field becomes more consistent • State of the Art Knowledge in Child Welfare – 1980 • Identification of Physical Abuse & Nelgect & some impacts • ‘Discovered’ Sexual abuse • Domestic violence is not on the screen Implementing DR – This is our contribution to advancing knowledge about what works for children and families Secretariat DR Research & Model Development OACAS Collaboration Committee DOS Paper

17. The Evolution of Differential Response in Ontario- 2020 New Knowledge our Field will gain partially as a result of what we do now. Body of Knowledge2010

18. So … Let’s Nurture this DR thing along at this fragile stage … Remember the vision & dream BIG