Families know best

In Luton, we start from a place of trust. We know that most parents want the very best for their children and they often know exactly what will help them most. That’s why our new ways of working focus on:

• early support
• family-led planning
• strengthening networks

This results in families staying together and thriving. By involving the wider family network early on, we’re helping families feel more supported and confident in developing their own plans. This approach is already making a difference:

• more children on an appropriate plan for their needs
• fewer entering care
• more staying safely with their birth families

When children can’t stay with their parents, we work to keep them with kinship carers - people they already know and trust. These arrangements are backed by meaningful support to help children flourish.

Families tell us they feel more in control, better understood, and less burdened. They meet with the same professionals even as their needs change, so they don’t have to keep retelling their story. It’s a more humane, respectful, and effective way of working.

Working together: the power of partnership

Luton’s success is built on strong partnerships. Through the Pathfinder, we’ve deepened our collaboration across services, bringing together the council, health, education, voluntary and community organisations.

Together we:

• continuously improve: our partners are co-developing and implementing best practice to improve outcomes for families
• test and learn: we’re exploring new ways of working together, adapting as we go
• share insights: feedback and learning are shared regularly to refine our approach and contribute to national evaluation

This integrated response means families get joined-up support, not fragmented services.

Family group decision making and support packages

In Luton we're exploring family group decision making through our well-established family network meetings and family group conferencing. These bring together a family’s own network to discuss how they can help.

The outcome can be a family network support package - financial support for people who aren’t birth parents but can offer practical help. Examples include:

• a sofa bed for grandparents to stay over while a parent recovers
• funds for an aunt, uncle, or neighbour to help with school pickups and meals
• families identify their own networks, which may include extended family, friends, faith leaders, or community volunteers

No network? No problem, Family Hubs are here

We recognise that not every family has a ready-made network. That’s why our Family Hubs are so important. They offer:

• information and advice
• help and support, without needing a referral
• activities and social opportunities for children, parents and carers
• a welcoming space to build connections

We’re also working closely with community organisations and the voluntary sector to create more opportunities for families to connect, belong, and thrive.

If you're a care leaver and want to access support for yourself or your family, you can also contact your local Family Hub or access our Local Offer for care leavers.