ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on partnership-based practice with parents where there is an issue of child maltreatment and the possibility of conflict between parents and social workers. The Children Act 1989 facilitates and encourages the provision of family support services, which include respite and longer-term shared care arrangements based on voluntary arrangements, with the parents retaining full parental responsibility. The research has indicated that family members are most likely to become involved if practice throughout the process from the initial referral to postplacement work is based upon the principles of partnership. Parents should be consulted about the timing and desirability of any change of social worker. Family members should be encouraged to bring a supporter with them when they attend conferences. Both parents should be invited to attend all decision-making meetings for the whole period and rated as full members of the meeting for the unique contributions they can make.
