Conversation with Head of Residentials: Kate — Evolving Family Support

After a year of change, Kate reflects on St Michael’s Fellowship’s journey as one of the UK’s leading Residential Family Assessment providers and shares how we’re continuing to evolve to strengthen support for families across London and beyond.

In this conversation, Kate explores:

Our history of family assessments – from being one of the UK’s first organisations to provide formal Residential Family Assessments to playing a pivotal role in the sector becoming formally regulated in 2003, helping to establish the standards that continue to shape practice today.

How our services have evolved – expanding into a diverse range of residential services across South London, tailored to meet the differing needs of families, including young parents, whole-family assessments, parents with learning disabilities, those experiencing substance misuse, and families affected by complex trauma.

Innovation beyond the assessment – becoming one of the first providers in the UK to develop a dedicated post-assessment support programme, Securing Change. Recognising that meaningful change doesn’t end when an assessment finishes, providing families with continued support as they transition back into the community, regardless of the outcome of their assessment.

Looking ahead – how we’re continuing to refine and modernise our assessment offer by exploring more flexible models of support, including shorter-term assessments and blended approaches that combine residential and community-based support. As the needs of families continue to evolve, so too does our practice, ensuring every family has the best possible opportunity to strengthen their parenting and build a brighter future.

Join Kate as she reflects on our proud history, the impact we’ve made over the years, and our vision for the future of family assessment at St Michael’s Fellowship.