Family help in Dorset

Family Help in Dorset consists of:

• early support
• targeted early help and
• child in need support

We deliver support through our localities, family hubs and partner organisations including:

• the voluntary and community sector
• education and childcare services
• health services
• police

We have specific Family Help teams which include:

• family workers
• social workers
• Birth to Settled Adulthood expertise
• Best Start in Life workers

Our Family Help support provides advice, help and guidance on:

• Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) through our Local Offer
• early years
• education inclusion
• keeping children and young people safe

We can also provide direct face to face support and assist families experiencing challenges.  

Child safety

At times we will also work alongside our lead child protection teams if there are concerns for a child’s safety.

Family Help practitioners will work direct with the children and families involved. Alongside the lead child protection practitioner.

The Family Help offer

Family Help in Dorset supports families in a variety of ways.

This includes:

• groups and specialist programmes
• parenting courses
• drop-in support and community-based activities in our Family Hub’s or children centres
• co-ordination of planning meetings with professional and family networks
• support to access resources or funding in some circumstances
• face to face work with children, young people and their families. In both their homes and their communities

Across our Family Help service we seek to work in partnership with families. We support them to achieve the best outcomes for their children. We do need consent from families to provide this support to them.

Support

If you would like advice and help you can go to your local Family Hub in the first instance. For support from a Family Help practitioner you will need an assessment. To access Family Help support for you or your family, contact the Children's Advice and Duty Service (ChAD).

Lines are open:

• Monday to Friday: 8am to 10pm
• Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays: 9am to 10pm

Speak to a practitioner today if you have any worries or concerns about a child or young person.