Family Led Decision Making
Family Led Decision Making is a voluntary service that helps families work with their existing support networks to plan for their children’s safety and wellbeing.
It’s a strengths-based process that empowers families to take the lead in creating solutions that work for them.
The approach brings together the key people in a child’s life including:
- family members
- friends
- trusted adults
- professionals (if the family agrees)
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What it can help with
The service can help families find practical, emotional and financial support for issues such as:
- housing
- mental or physical health
- relationship breakdown
- finances
- substance use
- school attendance
- isolation
Every family is entitled to Family Led Decision Making
- right people - the right people are in the room (the support team) to support the family
- social worker included - ensures bottom lines are met
- be prepared - the worker meets the support team before FLDM meeting to understand dynamics and ensure child(ren) are central to the process
- voice of the child - Child(ren) and young people participate in a way that works for them, their voice is heard meaningfully
- clear plan - An agreed plan is recorded and shared with the family, their support team and relevant professional. The plan belongs to the family.
- check in - Follow up with family, support team and child(ren) to see how the plan is working.
Informed consent - Right people, clear preparation, meaningful child voice, and a reviewed plan.
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Family Led Decision Making is open to all families. It is no longer restricted to those already working with Children’s Social Care.
Referrals can be made by:
- families themselves
- social workers
- teachers
- health professionals
- other trusted adults
Family consent is essential and can be withdrawn at any time.
To find out more or make a referral, contact the Family Led Decision Making team.
Email: FLDM@cumberland.gov.uk
Professionals
As someone who supports families, you might:
- refer a family who could benefit
- be invited to take part in a family meeting (if the family agrees)
- help offer services or resources that support the family’s plan
By working together, we can strengthen family networks and give children the best chance to thrive.
