AQW 8575/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 11/03/2024
Answered On Date: 09/04/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail how the term family support is understood and defined by his Department.

Answer:

My Department recognises family support as the provision of a range of supports and services to ensure that all children and young people are given the opportunity to develop to their full potential. Family support services are delivered to families across independent, statutory, voluntary and community sectors, generally in their own homes and communities. The primary focus is on early support and help, aiming to improve outcomes for all children, young people and their families, paying particular attention to those who are vulnerable or at risk. Some key characteristics of family support are:

Support workers and family members working in partnership in the planning, delivery and evaluation of services;

Strengths-based assessments approaches, which are mindful of resilience as a characteristic of families’ lives;

A clear focus on outcomes for children and young people;

Interventions that strengthen informal support networks;

Support which is accessible and flexible;

Promotion of social inclusion; and

A combined application of theory, skills and reflective practice.

The nature and duration of support will be determined by the level of need within the family, which will also determine whether the duties placed on Health and Social Care Trusts under the Children (NI) Order 1995 are engaged.