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Agenda item

Families First Annual Review 2017/18 ad Future Development Proposals

To consider and note the Families First Annual review 2017/18 and discuss and assess the future proposals for Families First.

Minutes:

The Chairperson welcomed Councillor Graham Hinchey (Cabinet Member, Children and Families), Sarah McGill (Corporate Director, People and Communities), Claire Marchant (Director, Social Services) and Angela Bourge (Operational Manager, Resources) to the meeting.

 

The Chairperson invited Councillor Hinchey to make a statement in which he commended the work done to maintain provision for families, despite the reduction in funding.  There will be additional developments in 2018-2019; there needs to be a more integrated approach.

 

The Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members:

 

Members noted that 17.4% of referrals to Families First came from schools and other education services and asked whether staff at schools.  Officers advised there staff available at schools to offer advice and guidance, Family Engagement Officers and the Strengthening Families programme also offer advice and guidance.  An Education Parenting Programme is also being established.  Staff are also being trained.

 

Members discussed the transition from Action for Children to Families First, Officers advised there have been challenges surrounding the number of organisations involved, it has been difficult for both families and officers to manage the routes in and out.  There were difficulties with transferring staff, some decided that they wanted to leave as they had different expectations and did not want to work for a different organisation.  Managing vacancies and levels of service has also proved to be a challenge.  There has been a tapering of the level of services offered and the range of programmes, staff have been mindful of the impact on families accessing Families First and Flying Start.

 

Members queried the LBGT support within Families First, bearing in mind the figures were so low and were advised that there were a cohort of individuals who were not taking up the support, it is about accessibility and sometimes services are not visible.  The low representation from some groups needs to be targeted and engaged.

 

Members noted that there was a higher referral rate in relation to families with Mental Health issues, both children and parents in their own right.  Whilst they do not always meet the threshold for Children’s or Adults Services, their needs are still complex.  Members were reminded that Mental Health Services had received significant investment from Welsh Government. 

 

Members referred to the infographics and lack of actual base numbers contained in some of them.  Officers advised that they could be provided.

 

AGREED – That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations discussed during the way forward.

Supporting documents:

 

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