This guidance is for professionals referring families to family hubs, for support in accessing the services they need.
The referral should include clear and detailed information about the reason for the referral, including:
- the family background history
- the details of all the children
- the details of all the primary carers, parents.
- what support is required from family hubs
- what support was provided prior to the referral and the outcome (if possible).
A text box is available on the form, to add further information about the family.
The referrer should also outline the questions or concerns they have and must highlight the concerns and questions the family have disclosed to them.
You must ensure:
- the referral is discussed with the family before submission
- consent is obtained from the family
Key components
Below are the key components required to complete the referral.
Reason for referral
A clear and detailed explanation of why the referral is being made is needed. It is important for us to know what support is already in place and what is/was the outcome. In some cases, the family is already supported by social care and any actions from the family hubs can result in duplicate support or creating more confusion for the family.
Complex cases may be discussed at the monthly Family hubs multi-disciplinary meeting (FHMD), hence is important to have all the relevant information.
Please remember to be clear in the support you are requesting. For example, housing support, welfare benefits, domestic violence, school placement, access to health visitors, cost of living, debts, mental health support, etc.
Family information
This should include all the family details such as, names, surnames, date of birth of the primary carers and all the children, GP name and address, the school and nursery, reception attended by the children, names of professionals involved such as social workers, family support workers, teachers, health visitors, etc.
Please remember the family hubs can support only Hammersmith and Fulham residents.
Background history
A summary of the family background for example if they moved borough, single parents, ongoing difficulties with parenting, guardianship, immigration, court orders, MARAC, SAFEGUARDING, POLICE involvement, (Merlin ref) etc.
Family history
Relevant family history and the professionals involved across health, education and social care.
Questions and concerns
A clear articulation of the questions or concerns you and the family have must be listed in the referral.
Intended management
The type of support that the referral is intended to facilitate, including the specific services or specialists being referred to. For example, CAMHS, infant feeding, Birth and Beyond support, befriending services, SEND etc.
Referral criteria
Individuals and families must reside in Hammersmith and Fulham.
Contact information and consent
The contact details of the referring professional and family members. The family must consent to the referral.
Date and signature
The date of the referral and the signatures of both the referring and receiving parties.
Rejection of referral
We will reject a referral if we are told or suspect that other professionals are working with the family. We will also contact you and may reject the referral if there is not enough information regarding what support is needed.
Thank you for your cooperation.
For information and help with a family hub referral
For information on the support available and the referral process see Family hub referrals
If you have any questions:
Telephone 020 8753 6070 or email familyhubs@lbhf.gov.uk