How to undertake an Early Help Strength based conversation Support for Partner Agencies ©Manchester City Council

Understanding what makes the Early Help conversation different from other conversations? Key Principals of the Strength based conversation: This conversation explores more than just the issue being presented by the parent/carer, young person, or the professional. This is an opportunity to identify what an individual feels is the most important issue to them. Although any issues professionals wish to raise can be explored. This is an opportunity to identify what is working well for the individual. Anything that can be described as working well can be viewed as being A STRENGTH. This conversation looks to create a genuine open and honest, joint working relationship/understanding between professionals and families.

Why we should undertake a Strength Based Conversation The information shared during this conversation enables professionals to make a more informed decision, when deciding on the appropriate level of need. This in turn results in a more informed response from the professional. The information gained during this process has on occasion resulted in professionals submitting Multi Agency safeguarding referrals as they have gained a better understanding of the actual level of need. The Strength Based conversation is an important aspect of Manchester's Signs of Safety approach, to supporting families. This approach is being adopted by all partner agencies.

When should we be undertaking a Strength Based conversation. Parents/carers and young people will come into contact with professionals on a regular basis Professionals present as approachable and easy to speak to. This can often lead to family members requesting information or advice on a wide range of issues. Not just your specialist area. There are times when we as professionals become worried about a young person or parent/carer, due to what we see as a presenting or emerging issue. Our professional worries for families can include poor home conditions, potential homelessness, poor school attendance, challenging behaviour, poor health, Family struggling financially and many other issue presenting issues.

When should we be undertaking a Strength Based conversation (continued) (Levels of need 1 and 2) on the multi agency, Needs and Response Framework) When responding to an enquiry, by providing information about, or signposting to universally available services? (Levels of need 1 and 2): Use this opportunity to ask if there is anything else the parent/carer, young person may be worried about. If so this is a good opportunity to have, or arrange time to have a Strength Based Conversation. (Level of need 3 and 4) on the multi agency, Needs and Response Framework) When recognising that a young person or family would benefit from a coordinated programme of support from more than one agency using the Early Help Assessment. (Level of need 3 and 4) : A Strength Based Conversation is the starting point of the Early Help Journey. Explain that if needed the information recorded on the E.H.A form will be shared with other agencies, who are able to provide support. These agencies will keep the information safe.

The Conversation structure The details of a Strength Based Conversation, will best inform any future decision making and resulting/agreed actions. The details need to be: Recorded Let the individual know you will be making a written record of the main points from the conversation. Explain that it will help both parties remember what has been said. Agreed Take time to reflect back to the individual any significant points during and at the end of your conversation, to ensure you both share a common understanding. Shared As and when appropriate with the individuals explicit consent.

Key elements of the Strength Based Conversation Enquiring as to how things are in the five areas of life. Work /training Would you like some support to get into work Home Life Are there any issues around rent repairs, bills? Things at home may be going well and can be reflected back/recorded as being a strength Health and wellbeing How are you. Do you have a G.P and dentist If not registered with a G.P we would view this as an issue of concern and clear need. Childcare, benefits, and work life balance are just some of the issues that may arise. Social/Community Do you have help from family members. School and College How do you feel things are going for your child Establishing the parents/carers view will establish a starting point on moving issues forward. Support from extended family members is a strength that may support future appointments etc.

Key elements of the Strength Based Conversation Assessing level of need and appropriate response The conversation should include The views of the individual and their thoughts on how other members of the family feel about the areas discussed. Help the individual to reflect on The areas you feel are strengths. The areas of identified need. How the individual feels about the issues raised. Based on the information shared with you Using the guidance provided in the Multi Agency Needs and Response document. You are now better placed to provide an appropriate level of response. Level 1 Advice or single agency response Level 2 Identified single area of need consider E.H.A Level 3 Coordinated multi agency support via E.H.A Level 4 E.H.A completed but support needed from E.H Hub Level 5 Multi Agency Safeguarding Referral

The Conversation structure We each have our own style, when speaking with family members. You may already be confident at discussing potentially sensitive issues with families. The following are our some suggestions to consider when undertaking a Strength Based Conversation. Starting a conversation. (Impromptu or Pre arranged meetings.) The parent / Carer may raise an issue they may want help with. Asking “how things are for other family members” or at home in general is a means to broaden the conversation. Letting a person know you would like to make sure “they are getting all the support they may need”, also helps when exploring areas like Health, Finances etc. Be open and transparent - Explain why you feel the family “may possibly benefit from support”. This involves you explaining any worries you may have. When explaining your worries give the individual a clear opportunity to air any worries they or other members of the family may have.

The E.H What Working Well Wheel Professionals, young people and parents/carers have told us that this resource is helpful. It enables family members to begin by scoring how they feel about areas of their lives and provides the professional with an opportunity to then gain more detail. Family members can also choose what area of life they wish to start with. This is one of a range of available resources, designed to help support professionals to undertake a Strength Based Conversation.

Strength Based conversations with young people. Any strength based conversation with young people (under the age of 18) and potential resulting in an Early Help Assessment should be undertaken with the parents/carers consent. The outcome of this conversation is more commonly known as “the voice of the child” and is shared with the parent, unless doing so would potentially place the young person at risk or harm. If so please consult your Safeguarding guidance. Manchester City Council provide a range of resources to support practitioners in undertaking a Strength Based Conversation with young people of various ages. For further information on these resources and other aspects of the Early Help Journey please visit our web page Early Help Practitioner Zone: manchester.gov.uk/earlyhelppractitioner

Key points to remember The Strength Based Conversation is the starting point of the Early Help Journey. The outcome of the conversation enables professionals to assess the level of need and decide on the appropriate level of response. At the start of the E.H. journey ask individuals to give a score as to “how they feel” about the five areas of life. By revisiting this during future meetings those present gain a clear picture of how things are progressing.

Key Themes to remember. The Strength based conversation is a technique that should be used throughout the Early Help Assessment Journey. Each Team around the child/family meeting is an opportunity to gain a common understanding of what is working well, what could be better and why and what needs to happen next. Engaging parents/carers and young people in the conversation enables us to gain a more informed overview of circumstances and improves our ability to provide an appropriate level of response. The most affective method of addressing presenting issues and worries is to gain a better understanding of the wider circumstances.

How to undertake an Early Help Strength based conversation Support for Partner Agencies ©Manchester City Council