ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the wide range of statutory and voluntary and community sector organisations which work in partnership with and offer some support to children, families and Early Years practitioners/settings. It includes the example of one Local Authority that uses a model of multi-agency family support work traditionally carried out in children's centres and other community organisations. The chapter expresses the rapidly changing roles and dynamics of different professionals and sectors in the climate of shrinking public services. It also explores wider issues of inclusion and participation for children living in poverty within the local community and explores how working in partnership with all families requires some responsibility by individual practitioners to acquire a personal knowledge and understanding of the possible effects of poverty. Acknowledging the need for developing knowledge and understanding the needs of others is an important part of being a reflective and empathetic member of a community.
