How to Work with Complex Families in Regional Tasmania: Putting Theory into Practice

This paper explores the complexities of how to get our families who are often in a chaotic state of surviving (emotionally, psychologically, and physiologically) to the point where they can process psychoeducation, develop parenting skills, and implement strategies to care for children in enduring ways and to feel successful in their everyday lives. This exploration led us to ponder two questions:

• 1.

  What are “good” working relationships?

• 2.

  How do these relationships benefit the families we work with?

To explore these questions further, we turn to a fuller body of research on Attachment Theory and Polyvagal Theory that gives a better understanding and comprehension of incorporating these theories into practice. This paper attempts to illustrate how the workers in the North-West Early Start Therapeutic Support programme delivered by Anglicare Tasmania develop good working relationships with families and how this translates to providing enduring care for their children.