Testimonials from Child Youth and Family Social Workers
20 July 2009
Dear Julia
Just while I have your "ear" I want to say how great we are all finding the footsteps reports. Newsy, positive, detailed etc. And encouraging. In some cases, these children will go on to request copies of their personal files held by CYFS and these tidbits of information will be the only feedback they will get on their milestone progress. You know, everyone likes to hear about what they were like as babies and toddlers - the "I remember when you were..........." stories. In the past the files have been quite clinical and this will bring reality that they were normal little people once upon a time.
In Kaitaia and Kaikohe there has been a real positive response to these monthly "reports" and staff look forward to reading about "their" children.
Shonagh Harris Practice Leader Far North Child Youth and Family Service Memorial Ave P.O. Box 43 Kaikohe 0405
21 April 2010
HI Michele,
I remember that not long ago we had a conversation and you asked if I would flick-off an email containing some positive reflections of the footsteps service (but you in particular). I know this sounds cheeky, but is there a chance of a spot of reciprocity i.e. I send you a quote and you send one back for me? I am writing a Family Court review and need some quotable remarks for the professionals that are working with L and T (Ed - names removed for privacy).
So...... I have a social work colleague who is a child protection social worker and she has raised two lovely daughters. Over a year ago this family agreed to take a whanau placement and a little girl of one was placed with them and footsteps came too, as the little girl had already formed a bond with the footsteps teacher/kaiako. This 'new' mum was somewhat reticent about requiring any input from footsteps, but rapidly discovered quite how much she and her partner did not know about maximising a child's abilities through positive play. My colleague only wishes she knew what footsteps has taught her when her own 2 children were small. We both believe all children should have footsteps! New Zealand would be a better place.
I hope this is of some assistance and I look forward to hearing from you.
