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This update provides information on the Welsh government's commitment to supporting children, young people, and families through initiatives like Families First and the expansion of Flying Start. The update also highlights key changes in family support approaches and the focus on preventative and protective measures. Additionally, it outlines the progress of the pilot phase and future plans for Flying Start and Integrated Family Support Teams.
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Welsh Government Update on Family Support Martin Swain Deputy Director Children, Young People and Families Directorate for Social Services and Children Martin.swain@wales.gsi.gov.uk
Programme for Government • Key focus on supporting children, young people • and families – commitments include • Supporting the roll out and implementation of Families First • Expanding Flying Start by doubling the number of children to 36,000 • Continuing the roll out of Intergrated Family Support Teams
Key changes for Family Support • Our review of support highlights effective • approaches include: • Whole Family Approach • Strengths Based model • Skilled and trained staff – e.g. collaboration • Co-ordinated multi agency working • Early and appropriate intervention • Preparatory outreach work • Responsive programmes
Families First Update • Key Elements • Joint Assessment Family Framework (JAFF); • Team Around the Family model (TAF); • A coherent set of strategically commissioned, time limited, family-focused services or projects; • An inter-authority Families First learning set; • Proposals to improve support for families with disabled children and young people.
The Continuum of Support Protection Prevention Families With Additional Needs Remedy Families First will focus on the preventative and protective sections of the continuum of support. Families with Complex Needs This is where IFSS and statutory and specialist services will focus resources. Families With No Additional Needs
Delivery – where are we now • Pioneer areas up and running since 2010 • 14 local authorities involved in pioneer phase – whole of North Wales • Learning sets across Wales developing best • practice and feeding back into programme • development • Full roll out across Wales from 1 April 2012
Flying Start – where we are now • Pilot phase complete – delivering to 18,000 0-4 year olds and their families • 4 core components offered universally to Flying Start families • Two evaluations tell us this programme is making a difference
Flying Start – what do we know • Higher levels of service access • Higher needs groups get the help they need • Proactive health visiting with greater referrals • Enhanced parenting support through parenting programmes – improvements for families • Better home learning • School readiness
Flying Start – what next • Top five Welsh Government priority • Double the number of children and their families that benefit to 36,000 by the end of this term • £55 million additional funding available over the next three years – total funding in excess of £70 million per annum by year three of expansion • Change of focus on targeting
Integrated Family Support Teams • Strengthen support to the most vulnerable families • Set out in legislation – Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010 • Sets out arrangements for greater collaboration across agencies • Breaks down barriers between agencies • Operating in pilot areas – RCT/Merthyr, Newport and Wrexham • Expanding to SW Wales and Powys – also Cardiff and Vale • Information sheet available – IFST@wales.gsi.gov.uk