They focus on families that have at least one child under five

They have a management committee that is multi-disciplinary. This ensures that close links are maintained with voluntary and statutory agencies within the community

Each scheme has at least one paid co-ordinator

Careful attention has to be given to the recruitment, preparation, and support of Home-Start volunteers and to the matching of volunteers and families

Before starting all schemes are required to secure on-going funding.

Every Home-Start scheme receives training, information and guidance from Home-Start UK.