The point of contact between families and the RNZFB

Parents confronted with the knowledge that their son or daughter has been born with or has acquired a sight impairment can experience a range of feelings. These range from shock, grief, confusion, helplessness, anger, denial, sadness, or distress to guilt and isolation, any of which can be overwhelming and difficult to manage.

In recognition of the range of powerful feelings experienced by parents and the unique circumstances encountered by families when coming to terms with a child’s sight impairment, RNZFB provides support for parents by operating its Child and Family Social Work service (CFSW).

When working with families, the role of the CFSW staff is tailored to meet the specific needs of the particular child within that particular family.

Often one of the first tasks is to listen to parents' immediate concerns and worries for their child, as well as their concerns as what the future might hold. There may be an impact on the whole family, from siblings to grandparents.

CFSW staff work with the parents to create a safe and confidential forum in which doubts and anxieties can be expressed freely without fear of judgment or embarrassment, and in which many solutions can be found.

The Child and Family Social Worker is usually the first RNZFB team member to meet parents whose child has been newly registered. This is at the time of a home visit to complete a Needs Assessment. The purpose of this assessment is to discuss with the family how the RNZFB might best support parents, the family, and the child registered with the Foundation. The aim is to ensure that each child is given every opportunity to develop into an independent and self confident adult.

Parents learn of the RNZFB services provided for children and determine which of these services are most appropriate for their child. Once the assessment is completed, the parents are provided with a copy to approve. The Child and Family Social Worker then makes the agreed referrals, internally to other RNZFB services or to appropriate outside agencies or professionals.

Other information

The Child and Family Social Worker will also seek to reassure parents that they have the skills and resources necessary to deal with their child’s present and future needs. These key staff remain the first point of contact with parents. They can:

• Provide information about benefit entitlements.
• Support access to trust funds for financial support to supplement some of the extra costs incurred with glasses and other visual needs.
• Liaise with and refer to Resource Teachers Vision based at Sensory or Visual Resource Centres.
• Provide advocacy for parents and children.
• Attend Individual Education Programmes (IEPs) at schools.
• Attend some of the many peer support activities offered by the RNZFB.
• Introduce parents to support networks and be available when a supportive, listening ear is what is needed.

CFSW staff to a professional code of ethics. This requires them to:

• Be respectful of people’s cultural diversity.
• Acknowledge their right to be informed and to make their own choices.
• Respect the confidentiality.

There are CFSW staff throughout New Zealand to work with registered members of the Foundation up to the age of 18 years (up to 21 in the case of children with multiple disabilities).