Agenda item

The Director of Children’s Social Care and Early Help submitted a report and gave a presentation to update the Commission on the Families First Partnership which aims to transform Children’s Social Care by promoting early coordinated and family centred support.  

Key points to note were as follows:

·       Developments were driven by a national mandate.

·       A merger with Social Work services, excluding Child Protection was in place.

·       A range of staff would be in place under a lead worker, with Social Worker involvement as required.

·       Meetings had taken place with Turning Point to support embedding staff.

·       Community Groups and Volunteers added support value.

·       There was an emphasis on developing family enablement and support networks.

·       Police partnerships were in place and had been reviewed.

·       The programme had been running for six months and a three-month pilot had concluded.

·       The pilot had informed objectives, and it was noted that the service would evolve over time with a holistic approach to supporting the whole family.

·       Staff were in place at children’s centres and family hubs for the upcoming launch.

·       The Family Help Model had been adopted with co-location.

·       New pathways would be tested out with a focus on assessment thresholds.

·       A staff skills audit had taken place and learning plans had been developed, together with administration and support structuring.

·       The programme would span two years:

o   Year one would implement the Family Help Model.

o   Year two would focus on Multi-agency team integration, incorporating the Health and Police teams.

·       Ongoing discussions were taking place with path leaders Luton Borough Council with a view to gathering delivery insights.

·       The goal was to reduce the numbers of Child Protection Plans and numbers of young people coming into care.

·       Disability services were currently standalone but could be integrated.

·       It was noted that the changes were welcomed within the wards and that Leicester was ahead when compared to other Local Authorities.

·       Five workshops would be hosted with community groups and partners, schools had expressed a notable interest.

·       Phase two would consider longer term support.

·       An update would come to the Scrutiny Commission in March 2026.

WIn response to questions and comments, the following was noted:

·       Delivery would be contained to Family Hubs and would not detract from the Youth Centres. Children’s Trust Arrangements would map youth provision and consideration would be given by the Children’s Board.

·       Local Police secondments had taken place and the Leicestershire  Partnership NHS Trust formed part of the transformation team.

·       Resourcing and Housing remained challenging.

·       Monthly meetings would ensue with directors for feedback and real-time learning. 

·       Reforms had been piloted in Lincolnshire, The Wirrall and Wolverhampton.

·       Help resources included The Department for Education Regional Team and the online knowledge hub. 

·       Support was in place with Impower.

·       Central government set the timelines, with implementation targeted for March 2026. Scheduling was currently on track.

·       The Commission welcomed the Multi-Agency approach but noted it could have been more central to the transformation.

·       Long-term projects included changes to the case management system and interfacing with partners.

·       Engagement with the Young People’s Council would help to shape provision preferences for young people.

·       Informal Kinship Arrangements formed a key component of the model.

·       There would be a consortium approach for cluster areas and organisations providing support.

·       For matters of persistent neglect, it was noted that families were more prepared to work with local community groups.

·       A significant investment would be directed towards procurement.

·       A member briefing pack would be issued to the Commission.

Agreed:

1.    That the report be noted.

2.    For a Pilot update to be brought to the Commission in March.