Leeds City Council’s ABCD model is focused on prevention and early intervention and is an asset-based approach aimed at empowering communities and individuals. Carmel Langstaff examines the results of an evaluation into whether it works

L eeds has a long history of asset-based approaches, from investment in neighbourhood networks, to children’s services adopting a restorative practice, to more latterly adult social care adopting a strengths-based approach to social work practice. This has been supported and championed by political and senior council leadership, to allow for asset-based working to integrate itself into the culture of the council.