The practice of Community Families is a culture, a way of interacting and being with all families and partner services.
Defining this culture are the values and principles of the Programme. These are embedded in practice through training, ongoing reflection and recording and documenting how we deliver the Programme
Community Families has taken the core values of the Community Mothers Programme, which have been tried and tested over its 40-year history.
Community Families know that families thrive when they are supported in a way that meets them where they are at – in their homes, in their communities and their day to day lives.
We support ALL families providing more support to those families who need it. We offer all families home visiting starting weekly and reducing down in line with their needs. We know that a one size fits all approach doesn't work, and some families require a higher frequency of home visits for a longer duration.
We work closely with families providing information and access to other supports and services.
This means a family's needs may be identified and prevented. We will support them to receive the attention they need as early as possible.
We know that the relationship between a parent and their baby is the foundation for positive wellbeing. We know how powerful a baby’s development is during these early first years, and we support parents as they tune in to their new baby's cues and respond to their baby's unique needs.
We know that parents are the experts in their child and their family. We work shoulder to shoulder with parents knowing that they bring their expertise, and we bring information and local knowledge in a relationship of trust.
We consider all areas of a child's life. We know that children don't grow up in a bubble and that a parent and family may have other needs in their lives, which are very important to address. Home Visitors know that a families primary needs must be supported first.
Many services play a part in supporting children, parents and families. Community Families works closely with all partners with parental consent. Home Visitors support parents to access and navigate the services they need.
We understand that parents have had their own unique backgrounds and experiences in childhood and as adults. Some parents may have experienced past traumas that impact their lives on a day-to-day basis. Community Families is a non-judgemental service that meets parents where they are at with empathy.
Community Families places parental self-care at the core and understand that healthy lifestyles support the best outcomes for children, parents and families. Community Families can provide information and support to create positive self-care and healthy lives.
Children and families live in communities where activities, resources and supports can ensure that all families thrive. We know that connecting and participating can improve wellbeing for everyone. Therefore, we build connections and encourage participation in local community networks and activities.
Community Families places the rights of all children at the centre of Programme delivery.
Children must feel safe, secure and protected from harm in the environment they live and grow up in. Community Families works collaboratively with other services to ensure children are safe, secure and have opportunities to thrive.