Decision details

Purpose of Report: The report will describe the development of an Integrated Family Service for the City. This service, which will incorporate York’s response to the government’s Troubled Families initiative, will provide early help and support to families across the City. The report will explain how this service will work with schools and other agencies as part of a wider early intervention approach that prevents family problems from escalating.

The Cabinet Member will be asked to approve the establishment of the new integrated service.

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.