The Thriving Families Service forms part of our Families First Programme and is aimed at supporting expectant parents who have previously experienced a child removed from their care; and families where identified risks mean that legal planning is required during pregnancy.
The service is designed to deliver a compassionate, coordinated, and preventative multi-agency approach to families in Sandwell. It will focus on supporting and empowering parents and families to create safe and nurturing homes and the ambition is clear: to do everything possible to enable parents to safely care for their baby at birth. Central to this is a commitment to breaking cycles of repeat child separations by addressing the underlying causes of vulnerability and trauma.
The launch will reflect nearly three years of careful planning. The service will be led by a Team Manager, supported by two Social Workers and four Thriving Families Practitioners. Together, they will bring their knowledge and passion to achieve the best possible outcomes for some of our most vulnerable babies and families.
This model will enable the team to provide meaningful, therapeutic, and practical support from the outset, alongside completing any specialist assessments required to ensure that safe plans are in place prior to children being born.