Strength-based family centred practice informs all aspects of practice at GFS. This approach acknowledges that an emphasis on strengths rather than deficits is most likely to effect lasting change and build capacity for parents and families.

People have within their experience a wealth of skills…both known and unknown to them. One of the main effects of problems and people’s experience of them is to blind them from noticing their strengths and capabilities (Durrant, 1997)

The following Strength Based principles underpin our work with each other, with other services and with the families and children with whom we work.

 In our practice we ......

• Are more interested in what is working and making that happen more often than focusing on what is not working

• Accept that no behaviour happens 100% of the time- there are always exceptions and it is the exceptions that provide the window to the solution

• Acknowledge that change is a constant reality-as workers we may be part of that process

•  Believe that focusing on the possible and changeable is more helpful than a focus on the overwhelming and intractable (Durrant 2007)

• Believe that people are more motivated when they are seen as competent and having power.

• Believe that Engaging in thinking about the future without the problem is more helpful in working towards a solution than a focus on the problem and its pathology (i.e. the reasons for the problem). (Durrant 2007)

• A problem is a predicament or dilemma. It exists in the present and solutions can be found in the present.

• Assume that each person/ family has competencies which they can apply to the problems that they are facing

• Clients are or can be the experts in their own lives