Andrei
This is a composite story which means it combines details from several real-life events, people, or situations into a single story or case study.
Elena and Andrei were a married couple, with two children under the age of six. An incident of parental conflict had led to Children’s Social Services suggesting a Family Group Conference to ensure that they family had the required support in place. The incident took place following an increase in mental health difficulties for Andrei, resulting in a mental health crisis.
The family had been living with significant stress for some time. While both Andrei and his wife, Elena, were committed to their family, the impact of Andrei’s mental health difficulties had led to a breakdown in communication, an increasing distress in the family home and significant strain on the relationship. This was starting to also impact their ability to parent together.
Members of the wider family network had varying levels of understanding about Andrei’s trauma and the impact on this mental health. As a result, misunderstandings had developed and some family relationships had become strained. The Family Group Conference aimed to help the family come together, improve understanding, and identify practical and emotional support that could reduce stress and strengthen relationships.
Due to the trauma involved, a trauma-informed, sensitive approach was particularly important in this case. The Family Group Conference Coordinator spent considerable time preparing family members individually before the conference, helping them understand the purpose of the meeting and creating opportunities to discuss their concerns. These conversations enabled family members to learn more about how trauma and anxiety affected Andrei and the challenges he experienced during periods of stress.
The wishes and feelings of the children were also captured. Although they did not want to attend, the Coordinator spent time to understand their views so that they could be bought into the Conference – helping everyone to better understand the impact that they were also experiencing.
During private family time, the family developed a comprehensive support plan focused on improving communication, reducing conflict, and increasing support around both parents and children.
The family agreed to:
Carry out regular wellbeing check-ins with Andrei and Elena.
Refer Andrei to a specialist mental health charity, focused on PTSD.
Hold monthly family meetings to maintain open communication and address concerns early.
Create a family WhatsApp group to improve connection and coordinate support.
Offer practical support with childcare and day-to-day responsibilities
Develop a shared understanding of signs that Andrei might be struggling more than usual, including social withdrawal, increased anxiety, low mood, and avoiding contact with family members.
Above everything else, the conference helped to ensure that the wider family network understood Andrei’s mental health needs as well as the support that Elena and their two children needed. As a result, the right support could be put into place and Andrei and Elena had the ability to restore their relationship and parenting.