Overview
Parenting can be challenging, and life often presents worries - whether it’s about finances, educational hurdles, or shifts within the family. During times like these, families may need additional support. That's where Team Around the Family (TAF) approach steps in to offer meaningful help.
"I finally felt heard, like my concerns were listened to."
"My view changed—it wasn’t about blaming me or pointing out what I was doing wrong, but about finding solutions and focusing on how to move forward."
This is what we focus on in the Team Around the Family meeting. We bring together the right people together at the right time. Everyone sits around one table to find solutions that work best for your family, not quick fixes or blame.
The Team Around the Family (TAF) aims to support your child and family at the
earliest opportunity.
TAF refers to different people and services that will work together to prevent
or reduce difficulties for children and their families before they become too
difficult.
In a TAF meeting, you’ll collaborate with professionals like your child’s teacher, a nurse, or a family support worker. You’re also welcome to invite anyone from your personal support network—those who know your child and want the best for your family. And most importantly, you’ll be there too, because no one understands your family and children better than you.
We are building a future where every baby , child, and young person, is seen, heard, and supported to thrive.
When might TAF support be helpful?
Families turn to TAF for many different reasons, including:
- Difficulties with emotions or behaviour
- Major changes at home, such as separation or loss
- Challenges with getting to school or work on time
- Feeling isolated or overwhelmed by parenting
TAF doesn’t need crisis to step in. In fact, it’s most effective when support is offered early, before things escalate. It’s about providing real help, not just ticking off boxes.
Learn more:
There’s no need for a referral or lengthy waiting lists. If you think TAF could be helpful, or if you’re unsure but just want to have a conversation, get in touch with someone you trust from a service you’re already connected with:
- Friends and family
- School or nursery
- Health visitor
- Any voluntary organizations you're involved with
- Community groups
We’re here to support you every step of the way - not ahead of you, not behind you, but right beside you. Because every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported - and so do you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is involved in a TAF?
The team typically includes: The child or young person and their family members. A Lead Professional, who is the main point of contact for the family and coordinates the support plan.
Professionals from any agencies already working with the family, such as teachers, health visitors, or youth workers. Extended family members or friends, if the family wishes to include them.
Throughout the process, additional agencies/services may be identified and invited to be included in the meetings and the support plan to strengthen the support for families.
What is a family network and why is it important for the TAF?
A family network is a group of people close to a child and family, including relatives, friends, neighbours, and community members, who can provide ongoing practical and emotional support.
It is important for the TAF process because involving this network is central to building sustainable, family-led solutions and ensuring a child's safety and well-being. The TAF is a multi-agency process where professionals and family members collaborate to create a coordinated support plan to meet the family's needs.
The family network is a core component of this process for several reasons - sustainable support, empowerment and ownership, stability and belonging, practical assistance, early intervention and prevention, kinship care options.
What if a family does not agree with the plan?
It is the role of the professional to work with the family to identify and overcome any barriers in place to support engagement in the process.
The TAF process is voluntary, and the family's voice is central to the decisions made.
They have the right to: see all information held about them, ask questions and raise concerns, have views heard and considered and/or stop the process at any time.
Without the family’s consent, a TAF cannot be initiated or proceeded with.
As a Lead Professional, does it mean I’m responsible for this family and everything that happens?
The role of the Lead Professional is to facilitate the TAF meetings. You do not take responsibilities away from the other agencies working with the family, they still hold their respective responsibilities and are accountable for their actions in the plan.
What if a family member doesn't attend a TAF meeting?
The Lead Professional should contact them to understand why they missed the meeting.
While a professionals-only meeting can be held to discuss progress, new actions cannot be set without the family's involvement due to the TAF being family-centred, and the full meeting needs to be rearranged to facilitate this.
What happens if the TAF members believe that the situation has not improved or that it has deteriorated to the stage where there are safeguarding concerns?
Throughout the TAF process, practitioners should be aware of the Threshold Framework Indicators of Need.
If the threshold is met to Step Up, inform the parents and the child/YP (if appropriate) that you have these specific concerns and that you are making a referral to the MASH. Refer to the MASH using the MARF and attach the relevant assessment. Keep the TAF meetings in place, meeting regularly until the MASH have determined the threshold of intervention.