The ethos at the Guildford Family Centre focuses on supporting families on their journey – wherever they might be. At the heart of their approach is the value they place on developing authentic relationships. They work with families to develop resilience for the whole family, instead of reliance, whilst continuously empowering them to support their child and family by knowing where to go for further advice, support or guidance when it’s needed. This holistic approach aligns closely with Froebelian principles and perspectives which underpins early childhood education, practice and care – including how to work with families. The Froebelian principles include ‘unity and connectedness’ and ‘relationships matter’ which are embodied in the Family Centre’s work.
The journey begins when Family Support Workers (FSW) meet the children and their families through self-referrals, or through various agencies such as paediatricians, health visitors, GPs and settings such as nurseries, schools or childminders. Families have to consent to being there and having support from the FSWs and the offer that is provided is dependent on what the family needs. For some families this might be signposting to groups, charities or different organisations that would be able to support their needs. For other families there may be difficult issues that need managing; the FSWs can handle these issues gently and professionally whilst also maintaining the child at the centre of their work. When families work with the FSWs they often come with a specific request for support, perhaps managing conflict at home, or needing help to understand their child with additional needs. This self-awareness from the family can ensure the FSWs are able to provide the right thing at the right time.
One family the FSWs have supported involved a child who had additional needs and the challenges that the parents had in rebuilding their relationship with the child following the diagnosis. The FSWs were attuned to how to support this family, helping them to see their child’s strengths and abilities. Looking from this perspective, the family was able to understand their child better, and understood how the child expressed their needs and how to meet their needs in the way their child preferred.
The FSWs also facilitate groups to support those who have had a rejected Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) for their child. Their knowledge and experience provide actionable next steps for the family in order to get the right support.
The whole Family Centre approach is understanding that things are constantly changing, so this means that their work is constantly in review. They’re always checking what’s working and what isn’t, what could they do next or more. This continual self-reflection and discussion with colleagues enables the FSWs to be their best, and utilise all the networks, connections and organisations they have to ensure that the family is best supported. Their reflection also trusts that, even though a plan for support may be in place, the reality of life is that things will change, and so the plan may no longer be relevant. This ever-changing work is part of the journey of working with a family.
The FSWs are able to quickly work out what is going on, trying to put together the facts of a situation, or finding more information to better paint the picture of the different needs of the family. They reflect this back to help the families see what is really going on. For example, one parent did not know that domestic violence included acts other than hitting. The FSW was sensitive in reflecting back to the parent when explaining the facts and that what they had experienced wasn’t ok, and provided support that would keep the child and family safe.
The FSWs are aware that parents may have their own issues such as mental health, stress about finances or other challenges, and they know that ultimately this can impact children.
The FSWs are always working with the whole family, whilst keeping the child at the centre of the work they do. As they get to know the family, they discuss their circumstances, and deepen their relationship with parents and their children. In one visit, the FSW was on the phone with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to support a family’s claim. Being another advocate for the family all works to empower and enable families to eventually advocate for themselves.
Coming to the end of working together can be a difficult thing for all involved, especially when the relationship is so genuine and meaningful. Families know that the team at the Family Centre are always available, and through the work together with the FSWs they will know where they can go for more support. The aim of the work is to support independence, and this ‘letting go’ at the end of their work together feels like an accomplishment of this.
Knowing when to let go can be challenging too, but the right balance is sought based on the relationship that the FSWs have with the family, and their experience and confidence in the family to be able to be resilient and independent.
The team’s self-reflective process looks to review the impact of their work with the family, receive feedback and make improvements to constantly find ways to improve the support for the community with exactly what they need. Everyone in the centre goes on a journey with each family, always striving to guide, nurture and tailor specific support for the families’ needs.
by Rachna Joshi (Freelance Writer and Early Years Consultant)