Information for Service Providers
Family Support Network
Family Support Network is an equal partnership between many established and reputable third sector agencies, forging a groundbreaking approach to true multi-agency working. The Network shares a common purpose and commitment to provide a service to the most in need families in Stoke-on-Trent through exclusively structured and extensive packages of support.
Family Support Network provides coordinated and individually tailored support packages to families, incorporating the many different and specialist services offered by network partners such as MIND, Citizens Advice Bureau, Home Start and many more. This is true multi-agency working; all partners having an equal stake in the network and an equal responsibility to provide services to families accessing support from the Network.
Family Support Network is centrally managed and accommodated by network partner Arch (North Staffs) Ltd. The service is coordinated by a team of workers employed by and seconded from a number of the Network partner organisations, reflecting the multi-agency spirit of the Network and bringing varying important skills and expertise to the delivery of the service.
Although completely independent from the local authority, the work of the Family Support Network is funded by Stoke-on-Trent Children and Young People's Services and is an integral part of its family support strategy across the city. Family Support Network is supported in its work by Stoke-on-Trent's Family Intervention Project who process referrals for endorsement by the five local Family Support Forums.
Family Support Network works with families who are already receiving support services under the Common Assessment Framework, but whose circumstances have continued to deteriorate regardless. The Family Support Network support period lasts for three months. Work begins with an assessment of the family's needs based on discussion with the family, referral information and prior assessment under the Common Assessment Framework.
Family Support Network then designs and coordinates an individually designed package of support to be delivered by network partners over the following three months. The performance of the support package and engagement by the family is monitored and reviewed and an exit report and recommendations on how to follow up the service will be provided to those working on the established CAF.
The very nature of the network means that common obstacles faced by families in accessing support are removed. Network partners draw funding for the service they provide to families directly from the networks funding meaning that families can access the support they need immediately, avoiding lengthy individual referral processes and waiting lists. Specialist practical help is provided by other Network partners to help families keep appointments and fulfil their responsibilities as service users.
Referrals
If you are a professional working with a child or young person and their family under the Common Assessment Framework, and you would like to refer them to Family Support Network, please download a referral pack and the Referral Guidance on making the referral from here.
Contact Family Support Network
Email us: admin.fsn@archnorthstaffs.org.uk
Phone us: 01782 683707
Write to us: Family Support Network
Canalside (Arch North Staffs)
Pelham Street
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 3LL
Partners
Please take time to visit the websites of the Family Support Network partner agencies using the links to the right.
Family Support Network welcomes every possibility to expand its membership of partnership agencies and increase the level of expertise behind the support it offers to the families of Stoke-on-Trent.
If you believe your third sector or voluntary agency could contribute further to the high level of support Family Support Network offers to the families of Stoke-on-Trent as a member of the Network, we would like to hear from you. To discuss this further, please contact a Family Support Network Coordinator or Jon Green, Deputy Chief Executive of Arch (North Staffs) Ltd.
