Family partnership model: Connecting and working in partnership with families

The Family Partnership Model (FPM) is a well-established, evidence-based framework for goal-orientated, partnership practice (Davis and Day 2010). It provides maternal, child and family nurses and parents with a clear and structured method to navigate and make sense of the process of helping. This paper reviews the core components that underpin FPM partnership practice, the Model's helping process, the essential practitioner qualities and skills and the development of FPM tools and guides. Evidence from routine evaluation indicates that the Model is strongly endorsed by many trained practitioners. This paper goes on to summarise the findings from a number of recent qualitative and ethnographic studies that have examined the processes and challenges of integrating and using FPM in routine practice. The sustained use of FPM requires courage from practitioners to redefine their role and practice so that is it reflects the values and methods of the Model. This is more easily achieved when nurses receive effective supervision, supported by the 'FPM Reflective Practice Handbook', and dedicated support and resources of their organisation.