Our model

Love Barrow families started in Barrow from the grass roots and developed from the co-production and design with local families and practitioners. This led to 6 core components:-

1. Reorganisation of mainstream services to co-locate a team of workers from the Local Authority’s Children’s Services, Adult Social Care, Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Adult Mental Health services, thus bringing adult and children’s agencies together into a wraparound service for whole families.
2. One main key-worker for each family who functions as a “transitional attachment figure” for family members, coordinating all other services and maintaining contact with the family.
3. One comprehensive assessment which includes the Adult Attachment Interview and School Age Assessment of Attachment; this assessment encompasses the social and emotional/mental health needs of both children and parents, rather than separating them. Having one assessment means that families do not have to tell their story repeatedly to different people and also crucially informs how the whole team work together to achieve the best outcomes.
4. A functional formulation i.e. an understanding of the function of behaviour for family members within their family their wider context and the professional system This includes identification of the dangers each family currently experiences, as well as the ‘critical causes’ of potential change, i.e., the crucial actions for professionals to take.
5. A community Timebank, which supports families – but also harnesses their assets or skills so that they can give something back. Timebanking is a means of exchange where time is the principal currency. For every hour participant’s ‘deposit’ in a Timebank, perhaps by giving practical help and support to others, they are able to ‘withdraw’ equivalent support when they themselves are in need (Timebanking UK 2011). This means that all families are seen as having something valuable to contribute and are also connected with others in Love Barrow Families.
6. Experienced and qualified senior team members who a) provide clinical supervision and mentorship for the team and b) chair regular advisory ‘panel’ meetings of other relevant professionals for each family, thus supporting team members and expanding their range of skills.

If you would like to know more about our practice please go to our download section where you can read our evaluation and publications.