Professionals who work with families facing adversity can play a crucial role in supporting children’s development and well-being. The Raising Children Network (2024) provides a comprehensive guide for professionals to use to help them efficiently and realistically engage with families who are experiencing various challenges, including financial hardship, social isolation, and health issues.
Understanding Family Challenges
Families may encounter numerous difficulties, such as financial problems, frequent relocations, illness or disability, family violence, or substance misuse (Raising Children Network, 2024), that can impact parents’ ability to provide optimal care for their children. In addition, these circumstances can hinder parents’ capacity to offer consistent, responsive care that is essential for children’s healthy development (Shonkoff et al., 2012).
Adopting a Family-Centered Approach
As a professional, using a family-centered approach can be very helpful in your work to provide support to families who face challenges. When professionals engage with families, they should strive to tailor supports to the unique circumstances of each family and collaborate with parents and children to develop strategies that address specific needs (Raising Children Network, 2024). In addition, they should create and maintain a trusting environment, connect families with relevant resources, provide accurate and sensitive information, and empower parents with the skills and confidence to make informed decisions.
Implementing effective Communication Strategies
Using respectful and helpful communication strategies, such as active listening, can help build partnerships with families. Professionals should make their services welcoming and accessible to all families by considering individual factors such as language preferences, cultural backgrounds, and unique family needs (Raising Children Network, 2024). Incorporating flexible communication methods, such as phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings, can help accommodate families’ varying schedules and preferences. In addition, use clear and concise language and respect different family structures and perspectives (Blue-Banning et al., 2004).
Facilitating Access to Support Services
Families who are under stress may not seek help as they may feel embarrassed or intimidated, or they may believe that family-support services cannot help them or are not meant for them. Professionals can help bridge this gap by proactively reaching out to families, such as through short check-ins; making services feel meaningful, such as avoiding assumptions and using tailored wording; and being a reliable link to necessary resources, such as providing easy to find and understand information (Raising Children Network, 2024). When professionals understand and address the barriers that prevent families from accessing support, they are helping to ensure families in need receive essential help (Yoshikawa et al., 2012).
Focusing on Strengths and Positive Engagement
When working with families, professionals should focus on families’ strengths and maintain positive contact beyond times of crisis. Engaging in regular, affirmative interactions can build trust and reinforce families’ resilience (Raising Children Network, 2024). By acknowledging and building on families’ existing strengths, professionals can support families as they meet and overcome challenges, which will, consequently, promote the long-term well-being of all family members.
Professionals can make a significant, positive difference in the lives of families who experience challenges by adopting a family-centered approach, communicating responsively, facilitating access to support, and focusing on families’ strengths. Using these strategies can help families navigate their difficulties and contribute to the healthy development and future success of their children.
References
Blue-Banning, M., Summers, J. A., Frankland, H. C., Nelson, L. L., & Beegle, G. (2004). Dimensions of family and professional partnerships: Constructive guidelines for collaboration. Exceptional Children, 70(2), 167–184. https://doi.org/10.1177/001440290407000203
Raising Children Network. (2021, July 26). Professionals: Supporting families experiencing challenges. https://raisingchildren.net.au/for-professionals/working-with-parents/about-working-with-parents/families-experiencing-challenges
Shonkoff, J. P., Boyce, W. T., & McEwen, B. S. (2009). Neuroscience, molecular biology, and the childhood roots of health disparities. JAMA, 301(21), 2252. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2009.754
Yoshikawa, H., Aber, J. L., & Beardslee, W. R. (2012). The effects of poverty on the mental, emotional, and behavioral health of children and youth. American Psychologist, 67(4), 272–284. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0028015
