In a world of high expectations, cultural change, and new endeavors, I always reflect on the journey that families take...  in any venue, including the Child and Family Team process.  Coming together in a team process is new, sometimes daunting experience that can create anxieties and enthusiasm.

Through open dialogue informal and formal supports help to unearth needs with the family.  Sometimes it can be exciting, overwhelming, frustrating...  however, families are resilient and despite the harshness of past experiences and the struggles of daily living, they stick with it because they want to, need to, have to...

Then there's those moments when a therapist says "I think we should shift gears" or the team decides that the mentor is working.  So... the process starts again.  When it's all said and done (actually, it's NEVER done) the tools lie within the team.  The tools are those strengths that lie within everyone sitting around the table from Dr. Smith to Pop Pop Johnny (who really isn't related but you wouldn't know the difference)!

In the world of strength-based approaches, supports and care, allow YOUR strengths to meet your needs! If you look at the notes from the last day of discussion, you listed your strengths.... and every strategy that we identified to meet your needs, were ALWAYS your strengths. Don't be overwhelmed by process or discussion...  I am on your team and I can help you meet any needs you may unearth and if I can't I will help pull someone in to your team that will.  One thing I do know for sure is that everyone on this team has a shared vision...  and that is to create a new and better system for youth and families. 

Let me echo the sentiments of the team, that you are well on your way to creating a strong system.

Thank you for such an experience....

Let's begin! And tomorrow we can begin again and again and again...