About The Difference
We are a specialist family support organisation with extensive social care, family court and dispute resolution experience, based in Staffordshire, dedicated to empowering families to safely maintain and rebuild relationships — with children at the heart of every decision.
Our Story
The Difference was founded by our director, Dan Jones, on a simple but powerful belief: that families in crisis deserve more than a court order. They deserve compassionate, flexible, professional support that works for them and helps to find a better way forward — one that protects their children and preserves their dignity.
There are too many families caught in cycles of conflict, drawn into protracted, expensive and traumatic legal proceedings that leave children caught in the middle. We knew there had to be a better way. So we created one. One where early intervention and tailored support is - The Difference.
Today, The Difference works with families, local authorities, and family courts across Staffordshire and beyond, providing specialist services that support sustaining, rebuilding and prioritising children’s relationships with their safety and wellbeing at the centre.
Our Mission
“To support families to rebuild relationships safely, navigate separation and disputes, with children at the heart of every decision — helping families avoid legal proceedings and intrusive professional involvement, within a safe, welcoming environment where children always come first.”
Our Values
Everything we do is guided by a set of core values that put children and families first.
Children First
Every service, every decision, every conversation is guided by one question: what is best for the child? We never lose sight of this, no matter how complex the situation.
Safe & Welcoming
We provide a neutral, non-judgmental environment where families feel safe to engage, communicate, and begin to rebuild. No family should feel intimidated or unwelcome.
Minimising Professional Intervention
Legal proceedings are costly, stressful, and damaging for children. We work hard to help families resolve conflict without the need for court and statutory intervention wherever possible.
Professional Integrity
We hold ourselves to the highest professional standards. Our assessments, reports, and services are independent, evidence-based, and trusted by local authorities and family courts.
Compassionate Support
We understand that families come to us at their most vulnerable. We meet them with empathy, patience, and genuine care — never judgment.
Rebuilding Relationships
We believe that with the right support, most families can find a way forward. Our goal is always to help relationships heal, not simply to manage conflict.
We take a child-centred, trauma-informed approach to every family we work with. We understand that separation and conflict affect every member of a family differently — and that children need stability, safety, and love from both parents wherever possible.
Tailored to Every Family
No two families are the same. We take time to understand each family's unique circumstances and design our support around their specific needs.
Trauma-Informed Practice
We recognise the impact of trauma on families and children. Our practitioners are trained to work sensitively and effectively with families who have experienced adversity.
Working in Partnership
We work collaboratively with families, legal professionals, local authorities, and other agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes for children.
Evidence-Based
Our assessments and reports are thorough, objective, and evidence-based — trusted by family courts and local authorities to inform critical decisions about children's lives.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you're a family looking for support or a professional seeking specialist services, we'd love to hear from you.