Resume

Annette Smith, Director “Children Need a Happy Home” has over thirty years’ experience in family work at practice and leadership levels. For many years she was Director Child and Family Services (DCJ) for the Western and Hunter Districts. As Director “Children Need a Happy Home” she specialises in family decision making models and is a strong component of Family Group Conferences and Family Circle Meetings. 

Annette is known for her significant experience in delivering and consulting on Family Group Conferencing at national and international levels having worked alongside researchers, First Nation practitioners, government and professional practitioners. Her practice interests and influences promote active engagement, collaboration and culturally responsive practice with respect for social and demographic context and difference. Annette strongly believes that practice needs to move from a risk framework where poverty is often the main driver to a relational approach that values relationships and enables families to develop and learn.  

One of Annette’s major accomplishments is her highly regarded text “Family Group Conferencing, Process and Practice” Telwell Canada 2022.