Three local authorities selected to pilot Care Review proposals

Local authorities in Dorset, Lincolnshire and Wolverhampton have been selected to deliver the Families First for Children programme, implementing the government’s plans following the publication of the Care Review.

Separately, Brighton and Hove, Sunderland, Gateshead, Telford and Wrekin, Staffordshire, Hartlepool and Hammersmith and Fulham have been chosen to deliver Family Network pilots to find transformative ways to involve wider family members in supporting parents so that children can stay at home with their families.

The government says that the programmes will “transform the current system”, focusing on more early support for families, reducing the need for crisis response at a later stage. Funded by £45 million collectively, the two programmes aim to help develop the best practice models to be replicated in other areas.

The areas will work to deliver support to families based on 3 principles:
- Delivering family help through local multi-disciplinary teams working with partners to provide welcoming and effective support, tailored to the needs of children and families.
- Where child protection is necessary, it is carried out by social workers with greater expertise and experience, and time to dedicate to the family and child.
- Greater use of family networks, involving the wider family in decision-making and with them being the first port of call if the child does have to leave the family home.

Children, Families and Wellbeing Minister, Claire Coutinho, said the government was “committed earlier this year to deliver wide-ranging reforms that put strong relationships at the heart of the children’s social care system, to make sure children in care receive the same love and stability as everyone else.

“Today, we take a step closer to achieving just that, thanks to the ambition these areas are showing for the life chances of their most vulnerable children.

“The programme they are running will inform future reform across England to give every child the best possible chance to grow up in their family, delivering on the Prime Minister’s ambition to support families across the country.”

Brighton and Hove, Sunderland, Gateshead and Telford and Wrekin will start their Family Network pilots this month (July), and Staffordshire, Hartlepool and Hammersmith and Fulham will start in spring 2024.

Commenting on the launch of the wave one Family First for Children pathfinder and Family Network pilot ADCS President, John Pearce, said the move was a positive step which would build on some of the great work already taking place across the country.

“I am sure that the local authorities involved will be eager to begin their work co-designing and testing new ways of working that will hopefully strengthen how we support children and their families.

“During this period of pathfinding and piloting it is crucial that real-time progress and learning is shared with the sector to help other local authorities implement the reforms in the future. The earlier we work with, and provide support to, vulnerable children and families to help them overcome the issues they face, and to stay together safely where possible the less impact these challenges will have on their lives but also on society.

“While the investment announced today is welcome, we continue to need a long-term equitable funding solution for children’s services so that all children and families can thrive, wherever they live.”