Ms Iris Mockler:

I thank Senator Seery Kearney for her question. There are no easy answers but I will share my own experience of working with parents. I agree that mothers and fathers face difficult questions and that stigma and judgment are an issue. We in Clarecare offer practical and emotional supports to parents within a very structured framework. The first meeting with someone is crucial. At that meeting, we try to manage expectations and find out where people are at and what their hopes are for the future. The practical supports we can offer include support around attending the meetings at which the difficult questions are being posed. We support parents before those meetings in respect of what their expectations are, what kinds of questions might be asked and who will be at the meeting. We go with them to the meeting and, rather than becoming their spokesperson, we try to facilitate and empower them. Following the meeting, we meet people again if any follow-up or supports are needed. I refer primarily to review meetings but there could also be access planning meetings and three-way meetings, which Ms Swann mentioned. They are really beneficial because when people have that feeling of being judged, powerless and overwhelmed, it is very useful just to sit down at a meeting with us and the social workers. People can sit down as individuals, discuss the challenges they are facing and put a plan in place.

Alongside all these meetings, we also provide emotional support. We offer a listening ear and can signpost and refer parents to services where appropriate. We also try to ascertain what supports people have in their lives, which is an aspect that should not be overlooked. Friends and family provide day-to-day supports for parents. These are the types of supports that are possible and available through our service.