Family Information Service

Family action plan guidance for lead professionals and family workers

  • Use the Early Help assessment process to create clear and specific family action plans. Plans should have actions that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely.
  • Address the identified needs with tailored support and name who will provide the support.
  • Make sure that all parts of the plan are completed and update it regularly. You can do this during reviews with the family and other professionals.
  • Update actions on the plan when they are completed. Clearly record progress and evidence.
  • Discuss and agree on the outcomes with the family.
  • Make sure that there is always a direct link between the activities in the plan and how they are helping the family meet their outcomes.
  • Create the plan together with the child, young person, their family and the other professionals.
  • The outcomes in the plan should aim to boost the family's resilience and improve their child's/children’s lived experience.
  • Discuss the early help assessment, the family action plan and the outcomes with the family, so that they know what is expected of everyone contributing to the plan.
  • It is good practice to print and share the agreed plan and subsequent reviews with the family and other professionals.
  • Use the family action plan in Team Around the Family (TAF) meetings to help focus and direct the meeting.