from conflict to collaboration: working with …...from conflict to collaboration: working with...
TRANSCRIPT
FROM CONFLICT TO COLLABORATION:
WORKING WITH CHILD PROTECTION AGENCIES
Best Practices CASA of Allen and Putnam
Counties
The Philosophical
1 Be ready to work at it.
The Philosophical
1 Be ready to work at it.2 Don’t be afraid to address the elephant in
the room.
The Philosophical
1 Be ready to work at it.2 Don’t be afraid to address the elephant in
the room.3 Accept that on occasion there may be
divergent recommendations.
The Philosophical
1 Be ready to work at it.2 Don’t be afraid to address the elephant in
the room.3 Accept that on occasion there may be
divergent recommendations.4 Recognize that changing any organization’s
(including your own) attitudes and actions takes time.
The Practical
1 Plan regular meetings with the Director of each organization.
The Practical
1 Plan regular meetings with the Director of each organization.
2 Use specifics when discussing issues.
The Practical
1 Plan regular meetings with the Director of each organization.
2 Use specifics when discussing issues.3 Remain positive, or at least neutral, when
discussing the other organization with case parties.
The Practical
1 Plan regular meetings with the Director of each organization.
2 Use specifics when discussing issues.3 Remain positive, or at least neutral, when
discussing the other organization with case parties.
4 Inter-agency communication is a tool with many uses.
CASA and Children Services Co-existing within the Child
Welfare System
Focus on Common Goals
Child safety and well-being, permanency. Message of teamwork and role identity needs communicated through all levels of both agencies.
Training
Implement elements of both agencies and their functions during orientation process of new employees and volunteers. Talk about issues such as communication, difference of opinions, potential case outcomes to avoid shock when issues may arise. Use a variety of examples to prepare staff for how to handle similar situations and avoid unnecessary tension when possible.
Communication
Quarterly meetings between agencies to keep the lines of communication open on a programmatic level. Discuss trends, issues, concerns, questions.
Personality Differences
It’s a fact of life and is going to happen. Emphasize the goal of safety, well-being and permanency from the onset. Focus should always remain on the child and family. Professionalism and respect go a long way.
Role Identity/Territorial
Agencies have varying roles and it is important for all involved to understand and accept the difference. Crucial to keep focus on outcome and working within the structure of the Child Welfare System.
Role Identity/Territorial
Agencies have varying roles and it is important for all involved to understand and accept the difference. Crucial to keep focus on outcome and working within the structure of the Child Welfare System.
Utilize Experience
Utilize the experience of other agencies and individuals. Communicate with other agencies throughout the state. Avoid re-inventing the wheel when not necessary to do so. Forms, meetings, processes, trainings, etc.
How do you define conflict?
“Conflict is an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent
parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and
interference from others in achieving their goals.”
Wilmot and Hocker, 2000
Audio File
Conflict Management
vs
Conflict Resolution
What is Collaboration?
People Process
ProblemWalker and Daniels, 1997
People
Process
Problem
People Process
Problem
Panel Question and Answer
Case Study
(1) Identify the areas of conflict you see in the case
study per the Conflict Intervention Triangle.
(2) What methods would you use to address those
areas of conflict?
“The only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is the way you use them.”
American Proverb
FROM CONFLICT TO COLLABORATION:
WORKING WITH CHILD PROTECTION AGENCIES
Amy Wiechart-Bayliff
[email protected] 567-940-8254
Brent Bunke
[email protected] 419-227-8590
Tim Thurston
[email protected] 567-940-8251