Gwynedd Council, Baby, Child and Teenage Brain development and the Effects of Poverty, Neglect and Poor Parenting

Gwynedd commissioned Interface to deliver an in-house one day course to multi agency staff. The authority was looking for a skills-based program to update staff on their knowledge on the latest research on brain development and offer practice examples to input and improve their interventions and practice.

 Course content included:

• Key understanding of baby, child and teenage brain development.
• Understand the impact of poverty, neglect and poor parenting on the developing brain.
• Understanding the impact on practice and be able to compile effective interventions based on child/teenage developmental needs.
• Build effective communication strategies with children and teenagers.

The course was well attended by a mix of staff including, social workers & family support workers from edge of care teams and early intervention., Education welfare officers and Independent reviewing officers. Staff looked at the effects trauma has on developing brains and key messages that need to be considered in practice. They explored case studies and strategies that may support individuals and families to move forward and build resilience, focusing on their own practice and the difference they can make as opposed to, or alongside, referrals to specialist services. Particular consideration was given to safe working practices and building relationships.

The group found the information on working with teenagers particularly interesting and felt the tools introduced would support their practice.

Learner Feedback included:

• Fantastic, very understandable, practical useful course and information. Will be looking further into the aspects. Thank You

• Very good training – the best I have been on for a while. Really broad range of information shared.