Our Practice Framework - Better Together

Our vision

We believe that the best place for children is to be raised within their own families, immediate or wider, wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so.

We are committed to building relationships and strengthening families by working with people in a compassionate and understanding way.

We are ambitious for Tower Hamlets children and families. We aim for every child and young person to be

• healthy,
• safe and
• successful.

What is Better Together?

Our approach is built on Restorative Practice, however it also draws on ideas from:

• Trauma Informed Practice
• Systemic Practice
• Five to thrive

Why do we need a framework?

We do complex work with children and families. Many people in different places, doing different jobs. We need to make sure we all work together.

This framework gives everyone in Tower Hamlets a shared understanding of how we work together. Evidence shows that when we all work the same way, everybody knows what to expect, and it benefits.

Our shared behaviours

We have agreed to work in these 5 ways

1. Be open and honest - do what we say we'll do, and explain what happens next
2. Value families' experiences - work with families, not doing to or for them
3. Listen to understand - be curious, not judgemental 
4. Work to prevent harm and repair damage - to people and relationships
5. Empower people - giving high support and having high expectations

Our C - Change Approach

People and relationships matter. That’s our mantra. Focus on people and everything else will follow.

• Connect
• Stay curious, seek to understand
• Build a community around a child
• Co-produce a plan
• Collaborate for change
• Check back

Want to know more?

Do you work with children and/or their families/carers?

Join our interactive, 2 hour Introduction to Better Together online training.

If you cannot sigmup online, please email Marie.Larvin@towerhamlets.gov.uk