The long haul

Children and young people – including those who have experienced domestic homicide – are experts in their own lives, and a critical source of insight and wisdom. Given the opportunity, they have great capacity and motivation to contribute to decisions that impact their lives.

However, they can also feel overwhelmed when too many different organisations are involved, and when there is a lack of continuity due to multiple changes in guardians, youth services or placement workers.

Also, it can be difficult for children to maintain trust when they are asked for their preferences, but those preferences are not upheld.

Continuity and safe relationships with practitioners can make a crucial difference. And in many cases, despite systemic challenges, there are opportunities to tailor support.

Questions for reflection:

  • As children and young people’s needs change over time, how can we coordinate different services to provide long-term support?
  • In what ways can we lessen the likelihood of children and young people being asked to repeatedly tell their stories to multiple people (when this is not with therapeutic intent)?

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