The seminar will describe the very successful, innovative work of Barnardo's SPACE service in Dundee which for the past 10 years has supported primary aged children, who experience significant difficulties at home and/or school, in an effort to enable them to remain in mainstream education and with their families. This Barnardos, Education and Social Work partnership relies very much on harnessing the expertise and knowledge held by those who know the child best. The systemic, solution focused approach of SPACE has shown that the collaborative support of the child's 'Support Group' which focuses on existing strengths, resources and possibilities for the future, paves the way for positive change (in terms of improved relationships, behaviour and emotional wellbeing). Unlike many traditional approaches SPACE does not rely on in-depth 'problem solving' assessments and the seminar will highlight the advantages of a 'child centred' (rather than 'focused'), approach. Families and children are central to planning and decision making and this doing 'with' rather than doing 'to' approach promotes sustainable change rather than dependency on additional resources. Recent information regarding 272 past cases (85% known to SW) shows that 89% completed their education, or remain at school, up to 7 years after SPACE involvement. | 