Team around the family meetings

The main goal of TAF meetings is to share information and create a plan to support the family's needs in a solution-focused manner. Sometimes these meetings are called ‘network meetings’.

The meeting should consider how, effective and timely support can be provided to meet the family’s needs, building on the strengths identified within the Early Help assessment.

A lead professional or family worker will organise the TAF meeting

The first TAF meeting usually occurs within three weeks of the initial Early Help assessment.

At the first meeting, it should be decided how often the group should meet. They should always meet if the family experiences a significant change or if the support they receive will change.

• The family should always be included.
• Practitioners who are already working with the family, such as school staff, health professionals or support workers.
• At the family’s request,  an advocate, friends or extended family members can be invited.
• People with specialist knowledge can be invited if the family are experiencing a specific issue that needs expert knowledge

Tasks that a lead professional or family worker will need to complete:

• find out if anyone attending the meeting has any communication or support needs
• meet with the family before the meeting to explain what will be discussed and who will be there.  They should be asked about what they want to get from the meeting and have an opportunity to ask any questions
• send everyone a written agenda for what will be discussed at the meeting
• share with the family any concerns that the people working with this family have before the meeting
• when practitioners are not able to attend but are involved in the support for the family, request that they provide a report

• Prepare before the meeting and ensure that all involved know what to expect and their role in the meeting.
• The lead professional will coordinate support, not necessarily undertake all the tasks. This means appropriate delegation is essential.
• Keep the meeting focused by using a timed agenda.
• Leave time for a clear ending where you summarise the key findings and the agreed actions.
• Set dates for future Team Around the Family meetings.

• Decide in advance who will be note-taking for the meeting.
• Make sure that all actions are specific, measurable, achievable and realistic.
• Name who will complete each action and by when.
• Share the completed notes with everyone who attended.
• Do not use jargon or abbreviations.