Family Matters for Police Forces

Information on Family Matters – For Police Forces and Commissioners

Family Matters provides immediate support to families at the point of “the knock” – when a warrant is executed and the impact on the household is at its most acute.

It is a point where the need is clear, but where ongoing support is often limited.

Why this service matters

Officers regularly see the effect on families but are not resourced to provide ongoing emotional or practical support. Without that support, families can become overwhelmed, disengaged or destabilised; which can affect both safeguarding and the progress of investigations .

Family Matters steps in to fill that gap

What the service provides

A simple referral route directly from officers
Rapid contact with families, within 48 hours
Dedicated caseworkers providing consistent, trauma-informed support
Ongoing liaison with police and partner agencies
Practical and emotional support tailored to each family

The impact

Family Matters supports both families and policing outcomes:

Reduces demand on officers by taking on ongoing support needs
Helps families remain engaged, supporting smoother investigations
Strengthens safeguarding for children and vulnerable adults
Builds trust through a more compassionate, joined-up response

The model has been independently evaluated and shown to be effective for both families and police forces.

Working with us

We currently partner with police forces across England, including West Yorkshire, Leicestershire, West Mercia, Thames Valley, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Warwickshire.

Our approach is flexible and built around local need:

Scalable delivery based on referral levels
Clear processes and referral pathways
Regular reporting and outcome tracking
Opportunities to share learning across partner forces

If you’re looking to strengthen support for families at this critical stage, we can work with you to develop a model that fits your area.

Download Family Matters Brochure