Families First: A New Approach to Supporting Newcastle Families
Newcastle is introducing the Families First model as part of its wider Think Family reforms, creating a more joined-up system of support for children, young people and families. The aim is simple: to ensure families receive the right help, at the right time, through services that work together more effectively.
The approach moves further towards relationship-based, family-centred practice, where agencies work collaboratively with families rather than separately. This means earlier intervention, quicker access to support, and a stronger focus on building on family strengths.
The new model brings together several key elements:
- Community Family Offer providing early advice, guidance and practical support without formal thresholds.
- Family Help Service combining Early Help and Child in Need support into one integrated service.
- Safeguarding and Child Protection Services working closely with Family Help to ensure children at risk receive appropriate protection.
- Corporate Parenting and Care Services supporting children in care and care leavers.
A major change for families will be the introduction of One Family, One Plan, One Lead Practitioner. Rather than working with multiple professionals and separate plans, families will have a single assessment, coordinated plan and key contact to help navigate support. This is designed to reduce duplication, improve communication and provide greater consistency.
The reforms are underpinned by a Continuum of Need framework, which helps professionals match support to a family’s circumstances, from universal services through to child protection interventions when required. Statutory safeguarding responsibilities remain unchanged, but stronger links between services will help families move between different levels of support more smoothly.
Overall, Families First aims to create a more connected, responsive system that improves outcomes for children, strengthens family resilience and ensures support is coordinated around the needs of the whole family.
