When families face challenges, support from people they trust can make all the difference.
Using family networks as soon as an issue is identified helps families take the lead in making decisions. We call this Family Group Decision Making. It ensures families feel supported and involved when addressing challenges.
A Family Network
A Family Network is a group of people who provide emotional, practical, or other forms of support. A family can identify them. A Family Network can include:
- extended family members, such as grandparents, aunts, or uncles
- friends or neighbours
- representatives from the community or faith groups
Our Family Network support helps coordinate and strengthen these support networks. It can provide access to resources or funding that empower loved ones to step in and help.
Examples of support could be:
- a car and car seats to help a grandmother take children to school each morning
- a sofa bed so an uncle can stay over when a parent is unwell
- mediation to improve communication between parents and grandparents. This could enable better childcare arrangements
We understand that not all families have an established network. We work to create connections for families who need extra support. We do this through Family Hubs and community partnerships.
Family Network meetings
Family Network meetings are family-led discussions. They should explore how a family’s support network can provide help. The resulting plan may include practical support from the family:
- cooking meals
- school pickups
- providing a listening ear during tough times
A plan may also include a Family Network support package.
All families with a named Family Help Lead Practitioner (a social worker or family worker from the Locality Team) will be offered a Family Network meeting which will be facilitated by a member of the Family Help team.
Alternatively, a professional currently working with the family can ask for a meeting to be arranged. This could be:
- school staff
- GP surgery
- Family Hub staff
A registered charity, Daybreak, which is independent from Dorset Council, will coordinate these meetings. It will support family-led problem-solving. Following the meetings, they will provide feedback to the referrer. They assist in connecting the family with any agreed upon resources.
Family Network support packages
Family Network support packages offer resources to help families succeed. These packages can include:
- practical items like furniture or transport
- services such as counselling or mediation
- equipment to improve daily life
Regular reviews
If needed, support packages can be reviewed as part of the Family Plan. Adjustments can be made during Family Network meetings. This ensures evolving needs are met.
If you know a family that could benefit, you can submit a request through Dorset Families Matter or talk to one of your Locality Team for more information.