For Professionals
Specialist family support services and assessments for Local Authorities, Family Courts, legal professionals and independent agencies.
A Trusted Partner for Professionals
The Difference works closely with local authorities, family courts, solicitors, social workers, and other professionals to provide specialist family support services that put children's safety and wellbeing first.
Our services are delivered by experienced, qualified practitioners who understand the demands of professional referrals. We provide clear, timely communication, detailed reports, and the independent perspective that courts and authorities require.
Whether you need supervised contact, an independent assessment, or ongoing family support, we can help.
"Independent, evidence-based, and trusted — we provide the professional standard that courts and authorities require."
— The Difference, Staffordshire
Services for Professionals
All of our services are available via professional referral, with reporting and communication tailored to your requirements.
Independent Social Care Assessments
- Parenting assessments
- ParentAssess assessments
- Form F and Form K assessments
- Special Guardianship assessments
- Viability assessments
- Risk assessments
- Sibling assessments
- Private law — Section 7 & 37 reports
- Child in Need and Child Protection reports
- Supervised Time Together (contact)Cost: £80 initial professional referral & assessment fee, then £60 per hour invoiced directly to the agency.
- Supported Contact
- Handover Service
- Conflict Resolution
- Third Party Communication
Why Professionals Choose The Difference
Fully Independent
We have no prior relationship with the families we assess or support. Our independence is absolute — giving courts and authorities the objective perspective they need.
Court-Ready Reports
Our reports are written to the standard required by family courts and local authorities — clear, evidence-based, and professionally presented.
Experienced Practitioners
Our team brings extensive experience in social care, family courts and child protection — giving you confidence in the quality of our work.
Clear Communication
We keep referring professionals informed at every stage — providing timely updates, interim reports, and clear communication throughout.
Child-Centred Approach
Everything we do is guided by the best interests of the children involved. Our practitioners are trained to keep children's voices and needs at the centre of every decision.
Flexible and Responsive
We understand the pressures of professional referrals. We work flexibly to meet deadlines, accommodate urgent referrals, and adapt our approach to the needs of each case.
How to Make a Referral
Making a referral to The Difference is straightforward. We accept referrals from local authorities, family courts, solicitors, social workers, and other professionals. We aim to respond to all referral enquiries within one working day.
Contact Us
Get in touch by phone or email to discuss the referral. We'll advise on the most appropriate service and confirm availability.
Referral Information
Provide the relevant background information about the family and the service required. We'll confirm what we need to get started.
Service Agreement
We'll confirm the service, timescales, and any fees in writing before we begin. You'll have a clear picture of what to expect from the outset.
Service Delivery
We'll deliver the agreed service and keep you informed throughout. Reports and updates will be provided as agreed at the outset.
What to Include in Your Referral
- Family name and details of the children involved
- Nature of the concern or reason for referral
- Service required (or ask us to advise)
- Any court orders or directions in place
- Reporting requirements and timescales
- Your contact details and preferred communication method
Ready to Make a Referral?
We're here to support you and the families you work with. Get in touch to discuss a referral or find out more about our services.