ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews two recent UK initiatives, Family Hubs in England and Family Support Hubs in Northern Ireland (NI) and approaches to parental participation in the planning and development of services. Although these two reforms are complex and not strictly comparable, they both seek to provide family support in holistic, responsive and collaborative ways serving specified localities. Locating these reforms within their broader interconnected yet also distinct UK policy contexts, the chapter critically compares and appraises their approaches to parental participation as service influencers. Examining statutory requirements, practice guidance and published research, the chapter points to significant promotion of parental ‘voice and influence’ in shaping the longer-standing Family Support Hubs in NI and emerging Family Hubs in England. However, the statutory framework and enabling structures in England are currently more limited and both contexts could promote and resource a more comprehensive approach, including greater investment in dedicated research.
