Introduce
Family-focused practice encourages practitioners to address the needs of the whole family by acknowledging the family as a unit. This can prove essential for developing resilience and bringing about positive change.
There are many advantages to working in this way, such as:
- Encouraging greater engagement from families
- Establishing a collaborative approach
- Helping prevent child abuse and neglect
- Improved interpersonal family dynamics
- Positive developmental and behavioural outcomes
- Promoting attachment and strong family-child relationships
Develop
Reflect
Stop and Reflect: Small changes to the environment of a setting can make a big difference to whether partners and other family members feel welcomed, included and involved.
Carry out a ‘family check’ of your setting to identify where changes could be made. Consider all aspects of the setting: reception area, waiting area, toilets and appointment rooms.
– What are the practical barriers to partners and wider family members accessing your service?
– Do posters and leaflets have positive images of partners with their families?
– Identify any changes you would like to make and share with another team member.