Team around the family

This refers to a method of working where professionals from different agencies form a team. This is done on a case by case basis. The aim is to ensure that are the right people to meet the specific needs of a child and their family. So the term ‘team around the family’ is a way of working rather than a fixed group of professionals.

A team around the family is likely to include some people from early help services, education and health. It may also include those who work in drug and alcohol services or adult mental health services. The make-up of each team around the family will reflect the nature of the family’s difficulties.

Each team around the family will have a lead practitioner. They will assess the child and family’s needs and develop a plan of action and support with them. This will be specific to whatever difficulties the child and family face.

This way of working is sometimes called a team around the child.