CIAFV April Members’ Meeting

This presentation will include an introduction to both Signs of Safety and Children’s Services Mediation.

Signs of Safety is a strengths-based, safety-organized approach to child protection casework.  It was developed in Western Australia and is now being implemented throughout Alberta.  Signs of Safety integrates techniques from solution-focused brief therapy.  It aims to work collaboratively with everyone involved in a case.  The focus is on the strengths, resources and networks the family has relative to identified child protection concerns.

Presenter:  Camille Moran, Child Intervention Practice Specialist (Ministry of Children’s Services)

Children Services Mediation is a provincial service for families who have involvement with Children’s Services.  It gives parents and guardians the opportunity to resolve disputes and be involved in planning for their children through mediation.  The purpose is to help families and caseworkers develop a safe plan for children to remain in their homes or spend less time in care.  Mediation focuses on the best interests of the child.  It is a voluntary, free service which gives all participants a voice.

Presenters:  Lisa Nishimura, Mediation Program Supervisor (Ministry of Children’s Services) and Colleen Bennett, Mediator (Resolution Services, Ministry of Justice)