Safe returns from care

Abstract

This chapter considers the usefulness of systemic theory and practice when applied to achieving positive outcomes in family rehabilitation. Risks and opportunities for change in this context are discussed, along with systemic understandings of how these might arise and be addressed. Ways of responding clinically to both planned and unanticipated returns from care are described. It is argued that practitioners may usefully attend to dialogical processes between professionals and families and embed the use of “Anticipation Dialogues”. Systemic approaches to preparing parents and children for reunification are also considered. Practice examples illustrate how systemic interventions can be helpfully integrated into casework.