Whole Family Approach
Supporting Better Outcomes for Children, Adults and Families
The Whole Family Approach promotes a family-led, collaborative and prevention-focused way of supporting family wellbeing, moving away from individualistic, fragmented and crisis-driven practice. Considering an individual's needs within their family and community context helps practitioners understand what is important to them, both as an individual and as part of a wider family network. This enables services to better understand the impact of circumstances on all family members and provide more effective, joined-up support.
Learning from Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, Safeguarding Adult Reviews and Domestic Homicide Reviews continues to demonstrate the importance of understanding family relationships, family dynamics and wider support networks when identifying needs, risks and protective factors.
Whole Family Approach Toolkit
Our Whole Family Approach Toolkit provides practical resources to help practitioners and organisations embed Whole Family principles into everyday practice. The toolkit has been developed collaboratively across safeguarding partners and is designed to complement existing processes and service models.
Resources Available
7-Minute Briefing
A concise introduction to the Whole Family Approach, explaining:
- What the Whole Family Approach is
- Why it matters
- The key principles and benefits
- How practitioners can apply it in practice
Download the 7-Minute Briefing (PDF) Click here to download
Whole Family Approach Charter
The Charter sets out the shared commitments practitioners make when working with children, adults and families.
It acts as a reminder of our collective responsibility to:
- See the whole family
- Work collaboratively
- Build on strengths
- Listen to all family members
- Share information appropriately
- Plan support with families, not around them
Download the Whole Family Approach Charter (PDF) Click here to download
Case Studies and Reflection Resources
Explore practical examples of how a Whole Family Approach can lead to better outcomes across a range of family situations.
Each case study is accompanied by a reflective resource pack to support:
- Team discussions
- Supervision
- Learning events
- Multi-agency training
- Individual reflection
Case Study 1: Parental Mental Health Download
Case Study 2: Kinship Care Download
Case Study 3: Dementia Download
Case Study 4: Multigenerational Download
Whole Family Approach Podcast
Our podcast series explores Whole Family Approach principles, learning from reviews and examples of effective multi-agency practice.
Episodes will include topics such as:
- Domestic Abuse
- Adult Safeguarding
- Children's Safeguarding
- Mental Health
- Carers
- Trauma Across the Lifespan
- Drugs and Alcohol
- Early Intervention
Visit our Podcast channel for our introductory podcast in the Whole Family Approach series
Whole Family Approach In Action
Best Practice in Essex
Practitioners applying a Whole Family Approach should:
- Identify a lead professional where multiple agencies are involved.
- Ensure carers receive appropriate recognition and support.
- Consider opportunities for early help throughout the life course.
- Work collaboratively and share information appropriately.
- Build on family strengths and resilience.
- Communicate openly and honestly.
- Listen to the views and experiences of family members.
- Work with families to agree outcomes and plans.
