InCredible Witness

This episode delves into the importance and intricacies of creating a chronological list of events in a child's life. Michael emphasises the significance of a well-constructed chronology in providing a clear understanding of a family's history and dynamics. The episode discusses the role of a social worker in highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of parenting, using the chronology as a tool to support evidence and arguments. It also explores how different perspectives and biases can influence the interpretation of events documented in a chronology. The episode underscores the impact of past experiences on an individual's present behaviour and identity, emphasising the need to consider significant events such as trauma, loss, and violence in family life. KEY TAKEAWAYS Chronologies are crucial: Chronologies are essential documents that provide a clear picture of a family's history and can help in understanding the events that have occurred over time. Balanced view is important: It is important to provide a balanced view in a chronology, highlighting both the weaknesses and strengths of parenting to give a fair representation of the situation. Impact of past events: Chronologies help in understanding how past events and experiences shape an individual's present and future, emphasising the significance of events like births, deaths, and illnesses. Significance of violent incidents: Violent incidents between adults, especially when witnessed by children, should be carefully documented in a chronology to understand their impact and the response of parents. Importance of social care response: A good chronology not only focuses on the actions of parents but also highlights the behaviour of social care agencies and their impact on the child's lived experience. BEST MOMENTS "A chronology can be defined as a sequential list of events with dates recording any significant facts and changes in a child's life." "History, for example, is written from the focus of the values and beliefs of the person who wrote it." "Chronologies are really useful tools in helping to look at a child's lived experience because they can show what a child has been exposed to dating as far back into their life as their first few weeks of life." "Many people still today tend to think of the past as not having any impact on who they are now." "One of the things that chronology is very useful at bringing to light is the response by social care." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

This episode delves into the concept of assessing and managing risks in various aspects of life, using the analogy of crossing a busy road without a pedestrian crossing. The episode highlights how individuals often underestimate risks due to factors they cannot see or control, drawing parallels to parents who may pose risks to their children. It discusses the importance of considering factors such as a parent's history, level of insight, and support networks in determining the potential harm a child may face. KEY TAKEAWAYS Risk assessment is crucial in everyday situations, such as crossing a road, as unseen factors can significantly increase the level of risk. Parents with a history of adverse childhood experiences may pose a higher risk to their children due to normalised harmful behaviours. Lack of insight and denial of personal issues can lead parents to expose their children to considerable harm. Identifying and evaluating a parent's strengths, such as a strong attachment to their child or a supportive network, is essential in assessing the risks they pose. Balancing a parent's weaknesses and strengths, along with considering hidden or unknown factors, is necessary to determine the level of risk a child may face. BEST MOMENTS "When crossing a road, there are vehicles you can see and vehicles or situations you cannot. You cannot accurately take into account things you cannot see or quantify." "Parents who pose a major risk of harm to their children are often not in full control of themselves and tend to be in denial concerning the extent of their problems." "One of the first matters to consider when attempting to analyse the risks posed by a parent is their history." "If parents do not recognise that they have shortcomings in certain areas, they are then poorly motivated to make changes in their life to address this shortcoming." "Balancing their overall weaknesses and strengths contributing to a child's care is a task that needs to be carefully and thoroughly considered." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

This episode delves into the challenges individuals face when giving evidence in court, particularly focusing on the daunting experience of being cross-examined. Michael talks about how to manage emotions, listen attentively, and respond effectively to questions while maintaining composure and credibility. The episode underscores the necessity of practising the skills required to present coherent and persuasive evidence in a highly adversarial courtroom environment. KEY TAKEAWAYS Giving great evidence in court requires thorough preparation and understanding of the case to be able to speak authoritatively. It is crucial to manage and control emotions while in the witness box to maintain composure and credibility. Active listening is essential to provide concise and relevant answers to questions asked during cross-examination. Displaying poise, balance, and a positive attitude throughout the process can help in delivering persuasive evidence. Utilising examples, statistics, and patterns of behaviour can strengthen arguments and clarify points for the court. BEST MOMENTS "Many people struggle with giving evidence because they don't understand that the process is designed to be difficult and that the court is, for lay people, an alien environment that no one except legal people feel comfortable with." "The words conflict and criticism are for me now synonymous with the court. never used to be, but they are now because I have been to court enough times to know, without doubt, that the court is a highly adversarial environment." "You have to know about and be prepared for angles of attack. Those cross-examining you, and including the judges, are likely to focus on, be critical about, and question you in connection with." "Controlling emotions is critical to the way you come across and portray yourself in the witness box. You cannot allow anything to hijack your emotions, undermine your belief in yourself, or impair your positive attitude." "Using percentages or ratios provides the court with a clear mental picture of what has been going on. Above all else display a great attitude consistently regardless of how the barristers may treat you." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

This episode provides valuable insights on how to effectively answer difficult questions, particularly in a court setting. Michael emphasises the importance of being in a balanced state of mind, actively listening to questions, and taking the time to formulate thoughtful responses. Practical tips such as acknowledging errors, providing context for actions, and being honest when unsure are also discussed. Overall, the episode offers a comprehensive guide on handling difficult questions with composure and clarity, making it a valuable resource for anyone facing challenging questioning situations. KEY TAKEAWAYS Practice being in a calm emotional state to maintain serenity and not let external actions affect you. Listen carefully to the entire question before answering, to ensure a proper response. Take your time when answering questions, think about your response, and speak only what you intend to say. Preparation and practice in answering questions from different angles are crucial for success. When faced with a question you don't know the answer to, it's better to admit it honestly rather than attempting to provide a false answer. BEST MOMENTS "Listening is a key skill in so many areas of your life. When your capacity to listen is impaired, of course you do not hear properly, or you mishear, misread or misinterpret whatever is being asked of you." "Questions are difficult when they come from an angle you had not expected or highlight an area which is totally new to you or unfamiliar to you." "It is better to take your time and answer the question properly than fail to answer it by answering it poorly and placing yourself in problems because you rushed in due to worrying about taking too long to respond." "A tip in answering questions is to be like water. In other words, go with the flow. Unless you have a good or strong reason to challenge or deny any assertion, then make sure, if you do deny or disagree with what's being said, that you can back up your argument with supporting evidence." "Never lie when answering questions. I hope you really enjoyed this episode and got a great deal out of it. Thank you very much for listening." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

This episode delves into the impact of parents using their children as tools for control, punishment, and negotiation. The episode highlights how some parents, with unmet needs from their own upbringing, prioritise their own desires over their children's well-being. Through a detailed narrative, the episode explores a harrowing case where a child is subjected to emotional abuse and manipulation by one parent, leading to long-term emotional damage and the need for therapeutic support. KEY TAKEAWAYS Children are highly dependent on parents and caregivers for various needs such as attention, affection, guidance, and security. Parents with unmet needs, due to their own upbringing, may struggle to provide adequate care for their children, leading to harmful behaviors. Using children as bargaining tools or weapons in conflicts between parents can have long-lasting negative effects on the child's emotional development. Court systems may not always fully grasp the impact of one parent's harmful actions on the child during private law proceedings. Children who are subjected to intentional conflict and abuse by one parent may require therapeutic support to address their unmet needs and emotional trauma. BEST MOMENTS "Children are very vulnerable and highly dependent on parents and caregivers throughout the many years of their childhood." "Parents with unmet needs may, for example, have mental health difficulties, possibly because they were parented in an environment where they were never provided with the safety they needed to feel safe and protected." "Some parents compound their lack of insight by going further and putting conditions on the circumstances under which the child will see the other parent." "In choosing this course of action, no consideration was given to the damage the child was going to be subjected to, or the long-term impact that a child growing up in this type of environment was likely to experience." "Parents who use their children to negotiate more favourable deals for themselves, influence the actions of others, or as a means to inflict pain on others, are primarily focused on their own needs, and in the pursuit of doing so, cannot help but produce considerable harm that will likely rear itself in some stage in their child's future." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

This episode delves into the crucial skill of persuasion and its significance in various aspects of life, particularly in social work and legal settings. Michael emphasises the importance of building trust with clients by demonstrating competence and genuine care. He highlights the power of listening, valuing others, and showing warmth and enthusiasm to establish meaningful connections. KEY TAKEAWAYS Building Trust: Before trying to persuade others, it is crucial to develop a relationship based on trust. This involves demonstrating competence and genuine care. Active Listening: Taking the time to listen to others, value their experiences, and empathize consistently is essential in building trust and understanding. Show Warmth and Enthusiasm: Displaying genuine warmth, enthusiasm, and interest towards others can help build positive relationships and influence them effectively. Avoid Criticism: Instead of arguing or criticising, find common ground with others and provide reasons for them to consider your suggestions without making them feel wrong or judged. Self-Criticism and Learning: Acknowledging mistakes openly, being self-critical, and showing a willingness to learn from errors can positively influence others' perceptions of your character and credibility. BEST MOMENTS "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." "Your time is your most valuable asset or resource, so taking the time to listen to another is an indication of how much you value them." "Instead of arguing, blaming or criticising anyone, if you want to stand a chance of positively influencing them... find things you agree on with them." "Your ability to listen clearly to the questions is vital because if you don't pay attention to the questions, you won't be able to satisfactorily answer them." "Having a great attitude throughout your time in the witness box and whilst in court and outside of it is key to how you present in a positive manner at court." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

This episode talks about the crucial concept of being well-attuned to a child's emotional needs and feelings, emphasising the profound impact it has on their development. Through a detailed exploration of a case involving a young mother with a traumatic past, the episode highlights how a lack of attunement can lead to significant harm and distress for the child. The narrative underscores the importance of parents being present, empathetic, and understanding towards their children, as this forms the foundation for building strong attachments and fostering a healthy upbringing. . KEY TAKEAWAYS Attunement is crucial in parenting, as it involves tuning in and connecting with a child on an emotional level, providing understanding, validation, and support. Parents who are well attuned to their children's emotional needs and thoughts are more likely to build strong attachments and positively impact their children's mental health. Lack of attunement can lead to emotional harm and distress in children, as seen in the case of a mother who struggled to connect with her son due to her own childhood experiences. Being attuned to a child's emotions, thoughts, and needs is essential for effective parenting and sets the foundation for a child's well-being and development. Consistently providing well-attuned parenting positively impacts a child's life trajectory and is a crucial skill for parents to develop and exercise. BEST MOMENTS "When a parent or an adult is able to understand what's going on for a child and can accurately describe how a child thinks and feels, we can say that that adult is well attuned to the child." "Parents who lack the capacity to be well attuned to the needs, wishes and feelings of their children are often lacking in insight and consumed or focused on their own issues." "It appears she thought this way because her abuser, a family member, had told her that her grandmother and mother would kill her, and she had believed it." "Being attuned to your child's emotions, thoughts and needs, and being able to act consistently in accordance with those needs is one of the most important skills you can develop and exercise as a parent." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

In this episode, Michael explores the essential aspects of building positive relationships with families as a social worker. He stresses the importance of understanding the factors that can influence a family's perception of social workers and how to address any preconceived notions or negative experiences. The episode provides valuable insights on fostering trust, communication, empathy, and consistency in interactions with parents and families. It highlights the significance of genuine interest, active listening, empathy, and offering support to create meaningful connections. KEY TAKEAWAYS Building a positive working relationship with parents and families involves addressing preconceived notions and negative perceptions early on. Demonstrating transparency, honesty, and consistency in actions and attitude is crucial for gaining trust and fostering a cooperative relationship. Actively listening, showing empathy, and treating individuals with dignity and respect are essential components of effective communication and relationship-building. Offering value through time, praise, encouragement, advice, and a positive attitude can help differentiate oneself and strengthen the bond with parents and families. Remembering special occasions, names, and stories, and approaching conversations with a focus on the individual's needs and desires can further enhance the relationship and support provided. BEST MOMENTS "Social workers are involved with instigating care proceedings as a last-ditch method to ensure the child's safety and well-being." "Developing a positive working relationship with a child and parent depends upon many factors, some of which may have nothing to do with you." "One of the fastest ways to get people to dislike you and create enmity is to criticise another and tell them that they are wrong." "Be genuinely interested in them and their life. People, even under unpleasant situations, like to know that they have the attention and interest of others." "Remember their stories and experiences too. People's experiences influence them and can make them who they become." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

Michael delves into the challenges faced by child social workers when dealing with highly demanding and emotionally consuming cases. The episode highlights the story of a 15-year-old boy named Craig, who had a traumatic upbringing and exhibited aggressive and violent behaviour. Despite efforts to find suitable placements for Craig, his behaviour continued to pose challenges, leading to frequent changes in his living arrangements. It sheds light on the difficult decisions social workers must make in prioritizing cases and providing the necessary support to children and families in need. KEY TAKEAWAYS Challenging Cases Monopolise Time: One or two highly challenging cases can consume most, if not all, of a social worker's time, regardless of the caseload size. Limited Resources: Social workers must make daily decisions on how to allocate limited resources to provide the most appropriate services to children and families in need. Complex Trauma: Cases like Craig's highlight the impact of complex trauma on a child's behaviour and the challenges in finding suitable placements to meet their needs. Attention to High-Risk Cases: Social workers tend to focus on cases that pose the highest risk or demand the most attention, potentially leaving other urgent cases with less immediate attention. Discretion in Time Management: Social workers have discretion in how they spend their time, often prioritising cases based on perceived risk and urgency, despite the desire to provide equitable support to all cases. BEST MOMENTS "No matter how small or large your caseload, you probably know from experience that you only need one or two highly challenging time and emotionally consuming cases to monopolise most, if not all, of your time." "Despite this reality, you still have to strive to ensure that you give each case the necessary attention, thought and consideration that each case deserves." "A case that springs to my mind involved a 15-year-old boy who I refer to as Craig. Craig was one of the most traumatised and dysregulated young men who I have ever come across." "The frustrating thing is that the nature of some cases leaves you with no choice other than focusing on them and this is all the more likely when the case is in care proceedings." "As a social worker, you have quite a bit of discretion concerning how you spend your time most constructively. But apart from what you are instructed to do by your manager or managers, your attention will tend to centre on who you perceive to be most at risk and who screams the loudest." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

Join Michael as he delves into the challenges and risks faced by social workers working with children and vulnerable individuals. Through personal experiences, Michael highlights the potential consequences of complaints lodged against social workers, shedding light on the impact such accusations can have on one's career and well-being. Michael emphasises the importance of self-care and resilience in the face of adversity. He urges social workers to prioritise their own mental and emotional health amidst the demanding nature of their profession. KEY TAKEAWAYS Importance of Self-Care: The episode highlights the crucial role of self-care for social workers, emphasising that taking care of oneself is essential to effectively caring for others. Risks and Challenges: Michael discusses the various risks and challenges associated with working in social care, including the potential for complaints and the impact they can have on a social worker's career. Impact of Complaints: The episode shares Michael's personal experiences, illustrating how complaints from clients or families can lead to significant consequences, such as contract termination or investigations. Mental Health Awareness: Michael raises awareness about mental health issues, showcasing how parents' mental health can influence their interactions with social workers and the care they provide to their children. Need for Boundaries: The episode underscores the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining professionalism, especially when faced with challenging situations or hostile attitudes from clients. BEST MOMENTS "Your involvement saves lives, but also offers a child a better standard of care." "Undertaking this work is associated with risks, including complaints that could jeopardise your livelihood." "I was frankly astonished that I could lose a contract under such spurious allegations." "The complaints were not substantiated, but the threat of potential loss of livelihood lingered for a year." "In looking back on that case, it was one of the most unpleasant cases I've experienced." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

Michael addresses the pervasive issue of physical violence, intimidation, and abuse faced by social care workers. Join Michael as he passionately advocates for the prioritisation of self-care among social workers, emphasising the need for proper training, support, and protection in the face of violent situations. He urges social workers to report incidents of abuse, seek necessary support, and push for systemic changes to ensure their safety and well-being. KEY TAKEAWAYS Violence in Social Work: The prevalence of violence, intimidation, and abuse towards social care workers is a significant issue that needs urgent attention. Social workers face physical and verbal abuse, highlighting the need for change in how these situations are handled. Statistics on Violence: Shocking statistics reveal the alarming frequency of attacks on social care workers, with a social care worker being attacked every 30 minutes in the UK. The high percentage of social workers experiencing assault, harassment, or verbal abuse underscores the severity of the problem. Impact on Social Workers: Exposure to violence in social care work leads to decreased job satisfaction, increased stress levels, and feelings of vulnerability among workers. The consequences of client violence extend beyond the individual, affecting overall well-being and contributing to staff shortages. Need for Training and Support: A lack of training in dealing with violent individuals or situations leaves social workers ill-equipped to handle challenging circumstances. It is crucial for social care agencies to prioritise training, support, and protection for workers to ensure their safety and well-being. Call to Action: Employers and society at large must take a more active role in safeguarding social care workers. Encouraging reporting of abuse, providing adequate training, and implementing safety measures are essential steps to address the issue of violence in social work and protect those who dedicate their lives to helping others. BEST MOMENTS "Violence and the threat of violence should not be tolerated in any way." "Social workers routinely attend visits on their own, walking into risky and dangerous situations unprotected." "Many social workers didn't report incidents of abuse to the authorities because they believed abuse was just part of the job." "Fear or feeling vulnerable was found to be a significant consequence of client violence." "The time has come for employers and wider society to assume a far greater role in keeping social care workers safe." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

Join Michael in this episode as he talks about the realities and challenges of being a social worker. Michael emphasises the need for self-care as a means of coping with the demands of the job and talks about the skills you need to work on to help manage the stress. KEY TAKEAWAYS Vital Skills Not Taught at School: Crucial skills like decision-making, influencing others, and managing relationships that are often overlooked in traditional education. Importance of Self-Relationship: The relationship one has with oneself impacts productivity, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Urgent Need for Self-Care in Social Work: There are high levels of stress, violence, and mental health challenges faced by social workers, prioritising self-care is essential. Challenges Faced by Social Workers: There needs to be a shift in societal perception and increased support for these essential professionals. Empowerment Through Self-Care: Social workers must prioritise their well-being, set boundaries, and value themselves, self-care can lead to better outcomes in their work and personal lives. BEST MOMENTS "The decisions we make in life are key to our success or lack of it." "Your ability to manage your various relationships in life is of inestimable value." "Your thoughts, feelings, and self-talk are critical to how you feel about you." "The responsibility for taking care of your health and well-being always rests solely with you." "Social workers are trying to save vulnerable people's lives and promote their health, safety, and well-being." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

Michael explores the challenges faced by professionals in identifying and addressing child abuse and neglect. Drawing from personal experiences as a children's guardian, Michael highlights cases where reports and referrals about children's welfare were not substantiated, leading to continued harm. The episode focuses on a specific case involving a mother, her son Kay, and their tumultuous journey through various care arrangements. Michael reflects on the missed signs and clues that could have prevented the ongoing harm to Kay and his siblings. This thought-provoking episode emphasises the importance of thorough assessments, reflection, and awareness in safeguarding children's well-being. KEY TAKEAWAYS Comprehensive parenting assessments can sometimes miss important clues and signs of harm to children if professionals are too focused on specific evidence. Professionals may fail to substantiate genuine reports and referrals about the care children are exposed to, allowing harm to continue. Parents and caregivers may present a picture that satisfies professionals' concerns, but they may lack insight into the harm they are causing due to their own childhood experiences. The case of Kay and his mother highlights the importance of reflecting on gathered information and being attuned to signs of abuse and neglect. Professionals need to prioritise safeguarding and not overlook concerns or close cases prematurely. BEST MOMENTS "Almost routinely these referrals were investigated, but found to be unsubstantiated, resulting in the child or children remaining in environments and circumstances which it was discovered, often years later, were extremely harmful to them." "The frustrating thing was, I was always left with the feeling that surely this could have been prevented. but the parent and family had clearly chosen to do their best to pull the wool over the professional's eyes and had often been successful at doing so, albeit at the expense of their child's health and well-being." "It was clear to me that she loved Kay, felt guilty about not caring for him and wanted to, but after only a few questions admitted she was not able to meet his needs." "This case highlighted for me how professionals, given the pressures of the work they are engaged in, and given their finite resources, can and often are persuaded by parents to accept that children are being adequately cared for when they are not." "Missing clues and signs is something that as human beings we are all capable of doing. The willingness and ability to reflect on information gathered is thus of crucial importance to safeguarding and meeting the needs of children." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

Following the death of Bronson Battersby in January of this year (2024) Michael talks about the lessons that we can all learn from this awful tragedy. He talks about the scrutiny social workers often come under in these cases and why we all have a responsibility for children's welfare and safety. KEY TAKEAWAYS The social worker went above her duty for Bronson and what she found and had to witness will stay with them forever. How does someone recover from a discovery such as Bronson's body? BEST MOMENTS "The social worker had done all that was required of her and more" "How does one recover from such a discovery?" "Their work is either taken for granted, minimised or taken for granted" "To expect social workers to always get it right when they consistently go unrecognised...is nothing short of folly" VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

Michael explores the intense and challenging experience of being a witness in a courtroom. The episode sets the stage for a high-pressure environment where there are no back doors or escape routes. The host emphasises the importance of facing the situation head-on and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the process. The episode provides practical tips for witnesses to eliminate doubt and uncertainty, master their inner conversations, and create an emotional barrier to remain composed during cross-examination. KEY TAKEAWAYS The title of the episode, "No Place to Hide," suggests that there is no escape or option to avoid facing the challenges and conflicts that come with being in the witness box. Giving evidence in court is a serious and responsible event, and lying or being dishonest can have serious consequences, including being held in contempt of court or facing legal penalties. It is important to maintain a positive state of mind and attitude while in the witness box, as fear and weakness can attract attacks from those cross-examining you. Witnesses are fully exposed in the witness box, and others can observe and judge their level of believability based on their responses, words, and emotions. To give great evidence, it is crucial to eliminate doubt and uncertainty from your mind by thoroughly preparing, practising, and mastering your arguments, evidence, and inner conversations. BEST MOMENTS "The stage is set, there are no back doors, and there is no option other than you having to face the music." "Giving evidence is a very responsible and serious event, and unsurprisingly there can be serious consequences if it is discovered that you have lied or are lying in court." "If or when humans sense fear and weakness, it stirs or excites base animalistic tendencies inside them, fueling the desire to attack." "The thing that has to be grasped by all witnesses is that you are fully on show throughout your time in the witness box." "You can remove doubt and uncertainty from your mind by repetitively going over your arguments and evidence, reasoning them out and then convincing yourself why your arguments and conclusions are sound." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

Michael explores the phenomenon of events and experiences repeating across generations. The focus is on the unfortunate recurrence of tragedies and hardships, such as mental illness, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, within families. Drawing from their experience in social work, Michael discusses how these painful events continue to affect parents and their children, despite the parents' desire to protect their children from such harm. The episode raises thought-provoking questions about the role of communication, support, and the need for individuals to break free from the cycle of their own childhood experiences. KEY TAKEAWAYS History has a tendency to repeat itself, particularly when it comes to negative experiences and tragedies. Many parents who have experienced trauma or abuse themselves are unable to prevent their children from facing similar situations. Lack of communication and support within families can contribute to the perpetuation of harmful experiences. Children who do not feel safe and secure in expressing their feelings are less likely to disclose abuse or seek help. Creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children requires conscious effort and a willingness to address and overcome deficiencies in one's own upbringing. BEST MOMENTS "Have you ever wondered why the events that happen in one generation tend to repeat themselves in the next and successive generations?" "But why do we see, for example, issues such as mental ill health, sexual abuse, domestic abuse occurring in the lives of the parents and the children we work with, given that such events and experiences tend to be the last thing parents would want their children to encounter?" "Surely you might think that any parent who has been subjected to the trauma of child sexual abuse, for instance, would ensure that their child was protected from such abuse. But too often, children remain unprotected." "As the matter was never openly talked about, no emotional or psychological support or therapy was ever provided to her. She was left to cope with the burden of the sexual abuse totally on her own." "In any home environment where children are not encouraged to express and share their thoughts and feelings, and when in addition parents do not actively demonstrate their attentiveness to their children and willingness to listen to, believe, support and protect them, That home environment is conducive to promoting the situations in which children can be harmed." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

Michael reflects on his experiences giving evidence in court. He emphasises the importance of listening to the different angles from which barristers pose their questions to effectively address them as a witnesses. Michael shares examples of how they navigated challenging questions during cross-examination, highlighting the need to respond truthfully and constructively. They also discuss the significance of staying focused on the best interests of the child involved in the case, despite attempts by barristers to divert the conversation. KEY TAKEAWAYS Pay attention to the different angles from which barristers pose their questions to witnesses. Take notes on the various ways barristers seek to discredit and undermine witnesses' evidence. Be prepared for giving evidence to increase your chances of confidently addressing any questions in the witness box. Answer each question in a positive and constructive manner, without being defensive. Stay focused on the needs of the child to avoid being led down irrelevant avenues by the barrister. BEST MOMENTS "You always have to be watching and listening... pay attention to the angles they are coming from when they address their questions to witnesses." "The truth of the matter was that I had only had about three weeks in which to start and complete the work. So the answer to the question was a simple yes." "Whilst it's true that she met with me on six occasions, that has only been possible as a result of arranging 12 appointments with her." "As stated in my report, I have a lot of sympathy for the mother due to her very unhappy childhood. But my focus has to be in meeting the needs of the child." "In my experience, whilst it is helpful to be as prepared as possible for the different angles of attack a barrister's questions may pose, it is even more crucial to remain constantly focused on the needs of the child." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

Join Michael as he explores the importance of empathy and seeing things from the perspective of others. He emphasises how mastering this skill can greatly improve relationships and create harmony in the world. The episode delves into the significance of empathy in parenting, highlighting the detrimental effects of neglecting a child's wishes and feelings. The episode also discusses the role of professionals in understanding and advocating for children's needs, emphasising the importance of assessing what is in the child's best interest in the long term. KEY TAKEAWAYS Developing empathy and the ability to see things from another person's perspective is crucial for building positive relationships. Failure to consider another person's point of view often leads to conflicts and misunderstandings. It is important for parents to empathise with their children's needs, wishes, and feelings to promote their self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Neglecting a child's desires and feelings can result in them feeling unimportant and can have a negative impact on their mental health. Professionals working with children, such as in court cases, need to prioritise the child's needs and perspective when making assessments and recommendations. BEST MOMENTS "One of the key skills you have to master in any relationship is the ability to see things through the eyes of other people." "If nations could view their actions and inaction in the eyes of other nations they are in some type of conflict with, and were committed to righting any past or current wrongdoings, there would be far more harmony in the world and the world would be a safer, more peaceful place to live in." "Feeling and knowing that parents or caregivers are well tuned in to your child's feelings and desires allows children to feel emotionally held, seen, heard, acknowledged, significant and valued." "Children are highly sensitive to their parents' behaviour and actions, and often assume far greater responsibility for a parent's actions than is proportionate with their real level of influence." "Your ability to be sensitive to the child's various needs, having the insight concerning how the child is affected by their circumstances, whilst holding an overview of the environment and parenting they require to secure their health and development and long-term needs is crucial to display in both your assessment and the evidence you present in the witness box." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

Michael explores the concept of dealing with personal disasters and catastrophes. The episode begins by acknowledging the natural inclination to question why these bad things happen to us, but emphasises the importance of not remaining in a victim mindset. Michael shares personal experiences and highlights the need to let go of the past, take responsibility for one's actions, and find meaning and growth in the face of adversity. Drawing inspiration from individuals like Viktor Frankl, Helen Keller, and Harriet Tubman, the episode showcases how our worst experiences can ultimately lead to personal triumph and positive change. KEY TAKEAWAYS BEST MOMENTS "Asking yourself that kind of question is fine if you want to remain in a woe-is-me-like state of mind, but not if you want to get over it and make the most of your life." "You have to get to a point in life where you begin to weigh up what's helping you to progress from what's holding you back." "Instead of asking yourself the question of why this happened to you, a more empowering question would be to ask, what can I learn from what happened to me?" "The above-named people are examples of people who triumphed despite the huge odds stacked against them, proving that our bad or worst experiences are not what defines us." "So my worst or close to the worst experience of my life, the experience that caused me so much pain and distress, has resulted in me being able to not only give evidence very well, but also help others to do the same thing." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.

In this episode, Michael reflects on the importance of addressing uncomfortable or challenging discussions. Inspired by a Simon Sinek interview, Michael talks about the need to express fears and anxieties about having these conversations with the person involved. He discusses the significance of maintaining relationships and the potential risks of ignoring unresolved issues. Michael shares personal experiences and highlights the importance of planning and preparation when approaching difficult conversations. They also discuss the potential outcomes and the need to establish boundaries and guidelines for effective communication. The episode concludes with the reminder that difficult conversations are a part of life, and the lessons learned from each experience can be valuable for personal growth and improved relationships. KEY TAKEAWAYS BEST MOMENTS "If you are fearful, or what could result from having the conversation, that you can explain or express your anxiety about it, and ask the person to be patient and understanding as concerns your fears." "The outcome of his conversation with his friend was extremely positive because it resulted in them both being willing and able to open up and discuss a number of matters which led to their friendship being strengthened yet further." "What frequently occurs then, as a result, is that you carry around the burden of indignation or upset with you, knowing that you have to somehow discuss and air your thoughts and feelings in a constructive as opposed to destructive manner." "The likelihood is that the worst that can happen is that the conversation becomes heated, unpleasant, and you lose your friendship. Were that to happen though, you would likely have cause to question the real quality of that friendship in the first place." "As this example illustrates, difficult conversations are a part of life. Where it is possible to prepare, plan and enter into manageable agreements to influence the outcome in a positive way, this is clearly preferable." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.