The Hackney Model
The Hackney Model is a strengths-based, relationship-focused framework for
assessment and intervention developed by the London Borough of Hackney
Children's Social Care. It was designed to provide a clear and consistent
approach to assessing children and families by integrating elements of systems
theory, Signs of Safety, strengths-based practice, child-centred practice and
ecological perspectives. The model encourages social workers to understand
children within the context of their family relationships, community and wider
environment while maintaining a strong focus on safeguarding, resilience and
long-term positive outcomes. Within social work, the Hackney Model promotes
collaborative, evidence-informed and anti-oppressive practice by balancing the
identification of risk with recognition of family strengths and protective factors.
The Hackney Model was introduced as part of Hackney Children's Services'
efforts to improve the quality and consistency of social work practice. Rather
than relying solely on procedural assessments or deficit-focused approaches, the
model was developed to support practitioners in making thoughtful, analytical
and relationship-based decisions. It reflects the growing movement within UK
social work towards strengths-based and systemic practice, recognising that
effective safeguarding depends upon understanding both the risks children face
and the resources available within families and communities.
A central principle of the Hackney Model is that children should always remain at
the centre of assessment and intervention. Practitioners seek to understand the
child's lived experience by considering not only what adults report but also what
the child sees, hears, feels and experiences in their daily life. Direct work with
children, observation and effective communication are therefore essential
aspects of the model.
Another key principle is the balance between risk and strengths. While
safeguarding concerns are assessed thoroughly, practitioners also identify
protective factors such as positive parenting, supportive extended family
members, community resources and children's own resilience. This balanced
perspective enables social workers to develop interventions that build upon
existing strengths while addressing identified risks.
The Hackney Model places considerable emphasis on systemic thinking. Families
are viewed as interconnected systems in which the behaviour of one individual
The Hackney Model is a strengths-based, relationship-focused framework for
assessment and intervention developed by the London Borough of Hackney
Children's Social Care. It was designed to provide a clear and consistent
approach to assessing children and families by integrating elements of systems
theory, Signs of Safety, strengths-based practice, child-centred practice and
ecological perspectives. The model encourages social workers to understand
children within the context of their family relationships, community and wider
environment while maintaining a strong focus on safeguarding, resilience and
long-term positive outcomes. Within social work, the Hackney Model promotes
collaborative, evidence-informed and anti-oppressive practice by balancing the
identification of risk with recognition of family strengths and protective factors.
The Hackney Model was introduced as part of Hackney Children's Services'
efforts to improve the quality and consistency of social work practice. Rather
than relying solely on procedural assessments or deficit-focused approaches, the
model was developed to support practitioners in making thoughtful, analytical
and relationship-based decisions. It reflects the growing movement within UK
social work towards strengths-based and systemic practice, recognising that
effective safeguarding depends upon understanding both the risks children face
and the resources available within families and communities.
A central principle of the Hackney Model is that children should always remain at
the centre of assessment and intervention. Practitioners seek to understand the
child's lived experience by considering not only what adults report but also what
the child sees, hears, feels and experiences in their daily life. Direct work with
children, observation and effective communication are therefore essential
aspects of the model.
Another key principle is the balance between risk and strengths. While
safeguarding concerns are assessed thoroughly, practitioners also identify
protective factors such as positive parenting, supportive extended family
members, community resources and children's own resilience. This balanced
perspective enables social workers to develop interventions that build upon
existing strengths while addressing identified risks.
The Hackney Model places considerable emphasis on systemic thinking. Families
are viewed as interconnected systems in which the behaviour of one individual
