We are of course operating from a consent-based position inline with FGC accreditation. Seeking parental consent and the agreement from the child or young person for family group conference work. Always.
However, it starts to get a little tricky when we know there is a seemingly positive paternal family but the father is not on the birth certificate. If the local authority have a care order of any kind it seems to be justifiable, especially for young children with no voice, for us to approach the paternal family without the consent of the mother. NB we will ALWAYS attempt to bring everyone along, explore risk, discuss options etc. We are definitely not steamrolling over anyone. But.. we have sometimes been in this position.
So, in terms of family guidance, what are other people doing in their literature/conversations with parents? Do you mention consent and care orders? It's surprisingly not something that arose in my 6 years at FRG, so it would be great to hear from others.
I hope this is not too controversial
and I hope someone else sees this!