Collaboration ignites
transformation.
How a team of leaders became trailblazers.
In August 2023, Blue Spiral Consulting facilitated a Strategic Thinking Retreat for the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare.
The goal to elicit specific feedback about improving safety practices in Oregon was launched at this retreat, and included the Senior Advisor for CW Practice Integration, some of the design lead program managers, and a parent mentor. Instead of taking the typical approach to gathering that feedback, this team went straight to the heart of the matter–should we bring in a practice model?
This type of power sharing is quite uncommon, so there was an assumption that the recommendations would center around implementing a new practice model–specifically Safety Organized Practice. That is not what happened. Instead, the participants dove deep, identifying the challenges and opportunities that come with any systemic change, and what it will take for efforts to flourish.
Aprille Flint-Gerner ~ Child Welfare Director
Lacey Andresen ~ Deputy Child Welfare Director
Darlene Scissons~ Parent Mentor, Morrison Child and Family Services
Kristen Khamnohack~ ORCAH Manager
Deena Loughary~ Safety Program Manager
Jennifer Holman~ Family Preservation Manager
Kim Keller~ Permanency Manager
Tami Kane-Suleiman~ Fatality Prevention and Review Program Manager
Jolynne Batchelor~ Senior Advisor, Child Welfare Practice Integration
Meet the Trailblazers
The Challenge
The role of child welfare isn't clearly defined, there is a need for restructuring of practices, there is concern about finding the resources needed to improve and evolve, there are a number of underlying contradictions that must be addressed.
The Goal
To realize the Vision for Transformation and ensure the safety and well-being of children and families.
The Approach
Blue Spiral designed and held a container for the group that supported transparent, vulnerable communication. Through the mindful facilitation of workshops, we combined somatic awareness with creative and strategic thinking to deeply reflect on the true reality of Oregon's child welfare
Mission Accomplished
This will tie the BSC mission in to this work
.
“Now in meetings I cannot sit there and have the conversation without first acknowledging this work we’ve begun. If we hadn't had that retreat, I'd be doing the same thing we always do, not feeling good about it and not really clear about why I don't feel good about it. But now it's clear. I don't forget and now I can speak with clarity and I really appreciate that.”
~Jennifer Holman, Family Preservation Manager