Features of the Resilient Families Practice Model

These are the key features of our model if we practice it well: 

• Relational
  This means we place a high value on healthy, consistent, positive and helpful relationships, with families, in families, and with each other. It means recognising that relationships are 'the most powerful agent of change‘
  
  
• Systemic
  This means we don't try and locate a problem in an individual in a family. We try to look at the whole family, their wider networks, their history and environment as a system. We think about what has happened in that system in the past and what is affecting that system in the present to try and figure out "why now”
  
  
• Reflective
  This means taking the time to think deeply about what we are seeing and feeling to make sense of it - we are always curious and we always 'listen like crazy‘
  
  
• Reflexive
  This means being able to examine our own feelings, reactions and motives and how these influence what we do or think in a situation, with families and with each other – “understanding ourselves in the work”
  
  
• Restorative
  This means thinking about our work as helping to repair harm, resolve conflict and restore relationships. We think all families have gifts and strengths, and that their networks and communities can help solve problems (helping families to 'look in the fridge before the professionals go to the supermarket!'

You can read an information sheet about Resilient Families Practice here