This video is the condensed version of a Child Protection Conference that simulates the decision making process in a virtual case study. The aim was to set a backdrop to enable students and practitioners to reflect on various aspects inherent in the field of child protection rather than providing a detailed and realistic account of the process of undertaking child protection conferences. In this video different phases of a child protection conferences and the inter-personal dynamics between the participants are shown. It is a shortened version of materials available as part of a simulation that takes students and practitioners from a referral into Children's Social Care to chairing a core group meeting.
Johnny's Story is a real life account of a father's experiences of parental substance use. The resource can be used with students and practitioners as a way of gaining insight into parental subtance use. The 15 minute story documents Johnny's reflections on how his drug use developed; incidents of relapse and recovery; the impact of his substance use on his parenting and his involvement with children's social care. Johnny's story was created as part of the Parents' Story Project which was a research collaboration between Dr Mel Hughes, Bournemouth University and Sarah Sanford, Bournemouth Drug and Alcohol Action Team. For more information on the study and resources from it, please contact Mel mhughes@bournemouth.ac.uk
Johnny's story: a first hand account of parental substance use
Mother’s experiences of having their baby removed at birth: a digital story
This resource uses the stories and images mothers shared as part of a research study exploring mothers’ experiences of having their baby removed at birth (Marsh 2016). The purpose was to seek insight which could be shared with midwives and other professionals to improve practice. It appears from a review of the literature within this area that, the emotional needs of women who have had their babies removed at birth, is a vital part of midwifery care in the childbirth continuum. However, midwives are reported to be failing to communicate effectively and meet the emotional needs of this group of women despite evidence to suggest that these women will suffer more grief symptoms than a woman whose baby has died.
The research focused upon the psychological and emotional needs of women, whose previous history warranted the removal of their infant at birth and that of the midwives that provide care for them. The overarching aim of the study was to explore what women perceived their experience to be and ultimately "what was missing" to help support them. It explored midwives perceptions and experiences of engaging with child protection work and the emotional and physical consequences to them of doing so.
It is therefore anticipated that the study and related resources will raise awareness through which current care can be assessed, challenged and in turn best practice, education & training developed and promoted, so that Midwives may learn and add to their own knowledge base in this area.