Family Journeys recognise that using our services often come at a stressful and difficult time in your and your family’s life. We would like to set out some guidance and expectations involved in using our services that are there for the safety, wellbeing and benefits of all our children, young people, parents, families and staff.
We would ask that you take the time to familiarise yourself with these expectations and confirm you agree with the expectations noted below. Unfortunately, should you feel you are not able to commit to this agreement, we unfortunately will not be able to work with you at this time.
What parents can expect from Family Journeys staff
- Family Journeys are a children rights led organisation who always put the needs of your child first. The wellbeing of your child(ren) is our paramount concern. We will therefore travel at their pace through their contact journey.
- Family Journeys understand that things are not always easy for the adults using our service. We will always respect this and offer support in a trauma informed way.
- Everyone has a history – a journey to where we are today. Your struggles may still be present. Family Journeys will not judge you on this.
- Often parents have different versions of events/truths about their previous relationships and experiences. Family Journeys act impartially. We will never take sides or collude with one parent.
- Family Journeys adopt a solution focussed approach to our work with children and families. Working together to explore options strengthens outcomes for children. We welcome joined up problem solving and solutions-based discussions.
- As part of our high support ethos for children and families, Family Journeys staff may at times also challenge your thinking. This will be done in a safe and supportive way as a means of progressing support for your child. This may feel uncomfortable at the time, but we hope you will develop a mutually respectful professional relationship with your lead worker that enables honest dialogue and respectful disagreements / language.
- Family Journeys offers confidentiality to our families. We will not discuss or share information with others where it is not relevant to do so. This includes not sharing information with your ex-partner without your consent. Our staff have support and supervision and therefore your circumstances will be discussed in these forums. Confidentiality however is not guaranteed (see below). * Please note that our family connections services are not protected under Civil Evidence Act.
- Sharing relevant information with other professionals is how all families and services make sure we support children in the best possible way. By acknowledging this agreement, you agree to us speaking with relevant professionals about your child if appropriate to do so. Please inform your Family Connections worker of the key professionals in your child’s life.
- Family Journeys have a duty of care to all our children. This involves our legal duty to raise concerns about the safety and wellbeing of all children to child protection professionals.
- Family Journeys believe everyone is different and equally valued. We will not accept prejudice or discrimination within the workplace. We also guarantee this for your family.
Family Journeys staff expect from our families
- Family Journeys are a children rights led organisation who always put the needs of your child first. The wellbeing of your child(ren) is our paramount concern. We will therefore travel at their pace through their contact journey.
- Family Journeys understand that things are not always easy for the adults using our service. We will always respect this and offer support in a trauma informed way.
- Everyone has a history – a journey to where we are today. Your struggles may still be present. Family Journeys will not judge you on this.
- Often parents have different versions of events/truths about their previous relationships and experiences. Family Journeys act impartially. We will never take sides or collude with one parent.
- Family Journeys adopt a solution focussed approach to our work with children and families. Working together to explore options strengthens outcomes for children. We welcome joined up problem solving and solutions-based discussions.
- As part of our high support ethos for children and families, Family Journeys staff may at times also challenge your thinking. This will be done in a safe and supportive way as a means of progressing support for your child. This may feel uncomfortable at the time, but we hope you will develop a mutually respectful professional relationship with your lead worker that enables honest dialogue and respectful disagreements / language.
- Family Journeys offers confidentiality to our families. We will not discuss or share information with others where it is not relevant to do so. This includes not sharing information with your ex-partner without your consent. Our staff have support and supervision and therefore your circumstances will be discussed in these forums. Confidentiality however is not guaranteed (see below). * Please note that our family connections services are not protected under Civil Evidence Act.
- Sharing relevant information with other professionals is how all families and services make sure we support children in the best possible way. By acknowledging this agreement, you agree to us speaking with relevant professionals about your child if appropriate to do so. Please inform your Family Connections worker of the key professionals in your child’s life.
- Family Journeys have a duty of care to all our children. This involves our legal duty to raise concerns about the safety and wellbeing of all children to child protection professionals.
- Family Journeys believe everyone is different and equally valued. We will not accept prejudice or discrimination within the workplace. We also guarantee this for your family.
- Our staff deserve to be treated with respect. They perform a hugely important role in the success of your child’s positive involvement throughout their family connections journey and ultimately in the development of a positive relationship with BOTH parents. This is not an easy job, but ALL our staff are committed to supporting children to the highest of standards. Please respect all their efforts.
- If you are not happy – we welcome open, mature and honest discussions in a respectful way. If necessary, management will support this.
- Our staff will always listen to your concerns, worries and hopes. Please do the same in return – if they have suggestions or ideas be open minded to listen and engage.
- Please note that all our staff work part time. With this in mind Family Journeys ask for your patience when communicating with staff via email and/or phone. Staff are not available out of their working hours.
- It is important that you are on time for both the beginning and end of your sessions. Our venues are very busy with families scheduled throughout the shift. Punctuality is important for your child and their experience of routine as well as the respect shown to other families using our venues. Please note that appointments cancelled last minute and/or for nonattendance will still be charged in full.
- It is possible other families may be using the centre or venue at the same time as you. Please respect other families giving consideration to the tone and pitch of your voice.
- As the parent, you are responsible for your child when using our centres and venues. You will take responsibility for their actions, behaviours and safe use of equipment. This includes ensuring children do not leave the building (unless in a planned way).
- Please ensure our building and contents are well cared for. Our staff will always ensure you have a welcoming, tidy and clean space to use at Family Journeys. Please help them achieve this for the next family by spending time limiting/tidying your own mess.
- Family Journeys believe everyone is different and equally valued. We will not accept prejudice or discrimination within the workplace. We expect this to be respected for all our staff.
- Aggressive, violent or threatening behaviours towards staff or other people using the centre will not be tolerated. This may result in Family Journeys no longer being able to work with you and/or incidents being reported to Police Scotland.
With thanks for the consideration and agreement to all issues raised above. Family Journeys look forward to working with you in a collaborative and supportive way.