Family Support Forums
The Family Support Forums endorse referrals to the Family Support Network. Two forums take place in Stoke-on-Trent, in the North and South of the city.
The North Forum takes place at Burslem Children's Centre and in the South at Crescent Children's Centre.
The Forums are multi agency groups consisting of representatives from Stoke-on-Trent agencies working with children, young people and their families.
The aim is to enable multi agency discussions around the needs of families and to agree which service or organisation is best suited to meet the needs of the most vulnerable families who have intensive needs at level 3.
The membership consists of representatives of key agencies including health providers, police, Integrated Family Support Workers, Family Intervention Project, VCS Family Support Network, Education Welfare Officers, Children's Centres Workers , School staff and others.
This list is not exhaustive and membership will be extended to other appropriate organisations and services whenever required.
The Forums meet fortnightly, the dates/times can be obtained from the Family Support Network web site.
The Forums are supported by the Family Support Network which acts as a central information point for practitioners, a referral point for the Forum, and will collate, record and report information including statistical information for the Head of Service Children in Need.
Any referral to the forum must have the family's consent. Once completed forms can be sent to the FSN by post or services with access to a secure e-mail system will be able to e-mail them to the FSN secure e-mail. The FSN will collate referral information prior to the Forum meeting. Click here for referral.
Family information will be sent to practitioners attending the Forum prior to the meeting to prepare them for discussions. Referrers are reminded that they must continue to provide their support to families until a formal decision to accept their referral has been made at the Forum.
Terms of reference Draft 3 - Septermber 2009
