Aussie Childcare Network Forum • Work within a relevant legal and ethical framework
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Work within a relevant legal and ethical framework

Posted: Mon May 28, 2012 10:46 am
by shaebuckland
I need some help with these questions please. I've been given a scenario which is

"You are a staff member in a childcare centre. Rachel attends the centre on a daily basis. Recently, Rachels parents have separated and she is living with her mother. There is no formal custody arrangement but Rachels mother has requested that no one other than she and her sister are to collect Rachel from the centre. Rachels behaviour at the centre has become quite aggressive. She constantly shouts at the other children and constantly picks up the telephone in the home corner and shouts into it, then slams down the receiver. She pushes the other children away when they go to use the play telephone. When you speak to her mother, she has told you in confidence that this is what she, herself, has been doing when Rachels father rings her at night.
The other child care staff are unaware of the family situation and do not understand the change in Rachels behaviour. As Rachels mother has spoken to you in confidence you are unsure whether you should tell the other staff members or not."

The questions are:
"In relation to this story, what are each parents legal rights in this situation?"

"What would you do to make sure you acted fairly and consistently to meet the needs of Rachel, particularly taking into account ways of addressing Rachel's aggression?"

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you
Shae

Re: Work within a relevant legal and ethical framework

Posted: Mon May 28, 2012 7:23 pm
by cathiek
HI
Unless there is a legal court order, you cannot deny Dad picking up his daughter from the centre. Until you have the paperwork in this regard there is nothing you can do. When I have warring parents I ensure they are well aware of this so that nothing happens in front of the child which could really upset them.

I would be providing Rachel with some consistency, guidelines and boundaries so that she knows that she feels safe secure and supported in the centre. She may need some time to act out things or just need some time to sit with someone and feel she is being listened to. Perhaps get the Director to ask to speak to Rachels mum discussing her change in behaviour. This could lead onto support for the family.
Hope this is of some help
CAthie