Adams County JusticeWorks received a referral for a Rapid Turnaround Family Group Decision Making Conference. The Agency had an emergency the previous night and was at a family’s home until 10pm ensuring the safety of the children. The referral was for an infant who experienced a skull fracture from a fall. While the Agency was investigating and the child received emergency treatment, there was a need for a rapid conference to develop, plan and implement a safety plan in order to prevent out of home placement. Ellen Miller immediately started the referral and was in contact with the family. An emergency conference was held the next afternoon.
A comprehensive plan involving family supports was developed to meet the needs of the safety plan. With the help of Ellen Miller, the family came together and showed support and encouragement during a stressful time. Over three weeks later at the follow up, the family demonstrated the ability to follow the plan developed at the initial conference. Family members from all sides of the family were working together to not only assist in the medical care of the child but also with the supervision requirements of the safety plan in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the children residing in the home. Ellen Miller was able to remain neutral and objective during this process so that the family could develop an appropriate safety plan. The fact that the safety plan was being followed more than three weeks later demonstrated the success of the conference and the ability of all parties to put the safety and well-being of the children first!
Ellen’s Director, Sean Lazarus had this to say, “I’m really proud of Ellen! Ellen did an awesome job pulling supports in less than 24hrs to have a meeting and develop an appropriate safety plan so that the children can remain in the home. 26 days later, the safety plan still exists which means the children are still in the home, the supports are still involved and keeping the plan and the family together!”
Thank you Ellen for keeping family strength, and unity at the top of the list for this critical safety issue. We appreciate your hard work and determination to lead this family to success!