A Child’s point of view:
“I really liked it when the social worker visited because things got better at home. I was a bit scared of saying what was happening as I didn’t want to get Mum into trouble and I was worried about being taken into care. Mum was also worried I might say something…… it was hard to keep it a secret.”
What children say works for them:
Be as honest and open with me as possible
I need to know I can trust you
I want to choose how I am involved
I want you to be reliable and tell me what is happening
I liked it when my social worker took me out places
I need to know that if I tell you the bad stuff you can make it better
I need to be sure my Mum will get the help she needs
The impact of MI on children:
Support services are more likely to be effective
Children can live safely with their parents or family
Adverse childhood outcomes are reduced
Children are less likely to reach crisis point and need to be on child protection plans
Children are less likely to enter the care system