This workshop will offer you:

• A detailed description of the principles of Strengths based practice and Solution Focused theory from a child protection perspective
• Application of the skills of Strengths based practice and Solution focused theory
• Practice in Solution Focused questioning
• Application of the Signs of Safety framework
• Reflection of current work using the 3S approach

In 2003 New Zealand selected one of its statutory agencies child protection sites as a learning lab to test out Strengths based practice in a statutory setting. Nicki and Cherie were key designers and facilitators in this robust process that challenged the principles and thinking of strengths based practice. As the process continued, solution focused questioning and in particular the work of Andrew Turnell and Steve Edwards using the Signs of Safety approach was incorporated. This one day workshop has been developed from the learning lab learning experiences and supported further by Nicki and Cherie’s attendance and presentation at the Signs of Safety Conference in Gateshead England in 2005. When dealing with the tougher end of social service work we decided a 3 fold approach was required. This workshop is the result of that learning and combines both strengths based practice with solution focused questioning, and the Signs of Safety assessment principles and framework to offer an comprehensive approach to social service work that ensures safety remains central.