Read the information below and then answer questions a) and b) that follow. Below is a sample 'Interactions with Families' policy and procedure document from Karita Family Support Services.

Imagine you have just started working at this service and the manager gives you

this policy as part of your induction to the service.

As you read the policy, you notice a number of issues with the policy which will

need to be identified and addressed with the manager of the service.

You speak with the manager about some of the things you have noticed, and she

asks you to put it in an email to her because the service is going through a Quality Improvement Process and it would be good to know what changes are required, to the service's policies (see policy below and additional questions following).

Karita Family Support Services and the family workers, community service workers and all other staff operating as members of the Service will use every endeavour to build positive, respectful and equitable relationships with families that are maintained in a way that:

encourages all members of the family to express themselves and have a sense of autonomy;

allows families to participate in activities and programs that develop self-reliance and self-esteem;

maintains at all times the dignity and rights of all family members;

has regard to the family and their cultural values; and

has regard for the age, physical and cognitive development and abilities of each person accessing Karita Family Support Services.

PROCEDURES

Family and community workers will use every opportunity to develop an atmosphere within the environment that is professional and supportive.

Each family will have the opportunity to engage in unhurried individual interactions and conversation with their worker that are meaningful, and which support the acquisition of new life skills.

Family and community workers will actively interact with all family members and respectfully respond to their comments, questions and requests for assistance.

Family and community workers are to support the development of trusting relationships.

All efforts by all family members to communicate are responded to sensitively and appropriately supporting a feeling of safety, security and confidence.

All family members will be supported by family and community workers to regulate and manage their own behaviour, respond appropriately to the behaviour of others, and communicate effectively to resolve conflicts.

The dignity and rights of every person will be maintained at all times.

OHS Legislation - Community workers will at all times work in accordance with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.

Policy version date - September 2018.

Policy review due September 2019

a) Draft a short email to the manager of the Karita Family Support Service which includes details of three (3) issues within the policy that need addressing. When formulating your email to the Manager, consider the following:

Has the policy been reviewed regularly against current (up-to-date) legislation and standards?

Would someone reading the policy know which legislative and ethical responsibilities inform the policy?

b) What suggestions can you make for improvements? In your email to the manager, include at least two (2) suggestions for work practice improvements aimed at assisting this service, to improve its responsiveness to their legal and ethical requirements.