Issue - decisions

RESOLVED:       (i)      That a new Integrated Family Service be

created combining the skills and experience of the Catalyst Family Intervention project workers, three parent support advisors and the family support workers currently placed within social care.  This service would sit outside social care and work intensively with families with children on the edge of care or other statutory interventions.

(ii)      That once the new arrangements become established, the Cabinet Member receive regular updates on the service.

REASONS:         (i)      Rising numbers of looked after children and

children subject to a child protection plan highlights the need for a new approach to working with families to prevent issues escalating to this scale.  Evidence suggests that intensive work with families, outside of the remit of social care, can be successful.

(ii)      To monitor the effectiveness of the new arrangements.