Family Support Packages

Family Support Packages – Definition

Family Support Packages are one optional element of the enhanced Whole Family support and resources that professionals can access on behalf of the families they are supporting, to enhance their work to engender and sustain change.

They can be defined as a variety of small-scale services, activities or interventions which practitioners can utilise quickly and easily. Examples of packages include, but are not limited to, access to training opportunities, family or individual therapy or counselling, farm and animal-based activity and therapeutic approaches, day trips, family activities and interview training.

Family Support Packages are primarily for one to one session/s with individuals or an individual family group. Because of the demand led nature of FSP requests providers need to be aware that it is not workable to accommodate group work involving more than one family or a group of unrelated individuals. Support at the right time and right place is integral to the principles of early help and therefore waiting for a critical number of participants before running a group does not lend itself to this approach.

Providers might like to consider the timing of their provision bearing in mind that the majority of children and young people will be in full time education, and their parents/carers may also be working. Delivery outside of school hours/ terms and at weekends may in some circumstances be preferable. If provision at these times is available providers should make sure that this made clear and is reflected in any tender submission, including any additional cost.

Family Support Package - Purpose

Family Support Packages need to contribute to at least one of the outcomes that Dorset wants to see for its residents.

Family Support Packages need to either directly deliver or contribute to the achievement of outcomes for whole families; the individuals or groupings within a family they are provided to.