Family File and How to use the Family File

The Family file was first published in 2004 following a two-year period of development and consultation with parents and carers, people who work with families and voluntary organisations. It contains simple, family-held paper systems to help with co-ordinating support and sharing information – particularly when many different people or agencies are in contact with a child.

The file consists of a number of standard, flexible templates which can be filled in and used by families, or by families and professionals working together. At the heart of the file is a Family Service Plan which encourages all the agencies working with a family to discuss the support that is being provided and to agree priorities.

This version incorporates suggestions for how the material might be improved from people who used the file in 2004-2006.

This pack also contains guidance on how to use the Family File.

Visit the Early Support website