PARENTING ASSESSMENT SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES HOME BASED PROGRAM
Mummy makes me smile when she takes photos with the lady.
I was told I had to do this program by the protective worker. I said yes because I wanted to keep my baby. We had a meeting and I met the staff and said I would do it just to keep them quiet. Then after a few visits I got to really like my PASDS worker. She listened to me and helped me where no one else had. We worked on things together. She really wanted to help me be the best mum for my baby and I learnt a lot. I am going to a play group now that she found for me and my baby is still with me. My friends are jealous they want to know how they can get a worker just like that.
I work in a very busy but rewarding program as an early childhood worker. We work as a team to support each other and to provide the support to families. My goal is to be the voice of the child and to focus on keeping the children safe in their parents care. I provide education on parenting, and spend sometime watching families interacting through video. I find that parents know their children really well and want to do what is best for their child. Together we can usually work out how to help them be the best parents they can be.
The main parts of the home-based program are: Parenting Assessment: The QEC PASDS coordinator and early childhood worker will work closely with you and your family to help identify the things you do best and those areas that you find more challenging. Parenting Skill Development: QEC staff will work with you to help you develop your parenting skills and get to know the support available in your local area. Final assessment and planning for the future: Staff will discuss with you what you have learnt and the progress you have made. It is also a time to work with you to plan the supports you might need in your local area. What does the Program offer? • Parenting assessment • Parenting skills development • Education and information about parenting • Community support • PASDS Clients are able to access the other services provided by QEC if they require further assistance in their parenting.
A 12 week program consists of approximately 20 home visits over the full 12 weeks. The visits are held in the home, or maybe in a park or a play centre. They last for approximately 2 hours and there are two visits per week .In the morning or in the afternoon, to get to know how the family routine goes at different times. During a visit the staff will listen to the family and discuss their parenting concerns, how the child/children have been, any problems over the week including needs for other support, such as housing issues, Centrelink etc. Staff can refer families for support in getting the help they need. A child and family action plan is developed and goals are set together. At each visit we work together on achieving those goals. Child protection keep in touch with the coordinator and at the end of the program QEC staff and the family present to the child protection worker the things they have achieved and the work they have done. Plans are then made for the future help the families keep the baby safe in their care.
How long will the program go for?
12 weeks in all areas of Victoria, except for 10 weeks in Gippsland.
How long is each visit?
1.5-2 hours twice a week.
Can I have access to the report?
The report is written for and belongs to Department of Human Services (DHS), but minutes of all meetings are provided to you.
Can I see the notes that are written?
Yes you are able to view and discuss the notes that are written.
Do I have to do the program?
As DHS have purchased the program for you, they would recommended that you do complete the program, but it is voluntary.
Do you tell DHS everything we say to you?
If we believe what you tell us will impact on the safety of the baby or your ability to care for the baby, we will discuss with DHS, but we will tell you of our concerns first.
Who will visit?
You will be visited by our staff , an early parenting practitioner at most visits and her coordinator may accompany her.
