Issue - meetings

This report sets out the development of a new locality based Integrated Family Service (IFS).  This new service incorporates a local response to the government’s Troubled Families initiative whilst also serving a wider group of vulnerable families in the city.

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.

The Cabinet Member considered a report that set out the development of a new locality based Integrated Family Service (IFS).  The new service incorporated a local response to the government’s Troubled Families initiative whilst also serving a wider group of vulnerable families in the city.  Officers stated that there would be a cohesive approach to ensure early intervention and to provide intensive support.

The new Integrated Family Service would combine 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.  The service would sit outside social care and work intensively with families with children on the edge of care or other statutory interventions to reduce the stresses in families and prevent escalation.  The Cabinet Member stated that she was pleased to note the involvement of other partners, including health and the police. 

A pilot scheme was already in place and there would be rigorous tracking systems in place to monitor outcomes.

The Cabinet Member gave consideration to the financial implications, as outlined in paragraphs 39 to 42 of the report.

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.