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Joining up universal and specialist parent-infant provision to create a seamless local service

Local authority — service development and strategy

The Challenge

Halton had an existing specialist Parent-Infant team (the Baby and Infant Bonding Service, BABS) but wanted to develop provision at a universal and targeted level that would connect seamlessly with it. The challenge was designing a model that complemented rather than duplicated what already existed, and developing a strategy that could bring the whole system together.

We had the opportunity to learn from expertise and to have a critical friend who was able to support and challenge our thinking. It was great to benefit from the external skills and expertise that the associate brought, alongside the trusted brand of the Parent-Infant Foundation. She successfully ensured that all parts of the system were part of the process and also delicately supported some more tricky conversations that benefited from independent and impartial input.

Halton Borough Council

What We Did

  • Reviewed the current service model and identified how universal and targeted provision could connect with BABS
  • Developed a plan for the work and co-produced a parent-infant strategy
  • Put a plan in place for future engagement with strategic bodies
  • Presented findings and recommendations at the Halton Family Conference

What Changed

  • A co-produced parent-infant strategy with a clear vision for how universal, targeted and specialist provision connect
  • Stronger relationships across the system, including a clear plan for ongoing engagement with strategic bodies

This may be relevant to you if you are

  • A local authority with an existing specialist team that wants to develop complementary provision at a universal or targeted level
  • An area that needs an independent, impartial voice to support difficult conversations across the system
  • A council looking to develop a co-produced strategy with genuine cross-system buy-in
If you are looking to join up your parent-infant provision, we would welcome an initial conversation. Get in touch.
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