Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services on the Family Support Service in Hampshire.

The Committee received a report (Item 7 in the Minute Book) from the Director of Children’s Services which provided an update on the Family Support Service, following on from the commencement of the Service on the 1 December 2016.

The background to the Service was explained and the positive impact of the new service in combining Children’s Centres, Early Helps Hubs and the Youth Support Budgets was highlighted.  The role of the Early Help Hub in playing a vital role to vulnerable families at Level 3 was noted and it was heard that the number of cases open at Level 3 and receiving multi-agency response at the end of February 2018 was 3288 children.  It was highlighted that Quarter 3 recorded the highest number of children and families being reached with 45 per cent held by the Family Support Service in the Early Help Co-ordinator role and 55 per cent were co-ordinated by other agencies.  Key to the effectiveness of the multi-agency group was the strong working relationships and Members noted the sharing of experiences and good practice.

Members heard that outcomes of the Service were measured and evidenced as a priority and the Outcomes Star assessment tool was implemented in April 2017 which tracked progress and outcomes for all Level 3 families.  For practitioners, this provided valuable feedback and audited case files in 2017 indicated that 76 per cent of children’s wishes or feelings were recorded and even higher numbers evidenced positive impact of the Service.

Officers explained the range of interventions that continued to be available to those families assessed at Level 2, and how specific needs were addressed through innovative ways such as e-safety advice, joint working with libraries and emotional mental health.  The effectiveness of the multi-agency group was also detailed and the positive outcomes of partnership working was stressed and Members noted that a Service Review in 2017 collated positive and encouraging feedback. 

In response to questions, Members heard:

·         That information relating to the Family Support Service in Basingstoke would be sent to Members, as due to an oversight, this wasn’t included in the report.

·         That in spite of it’s large geographical area, the New Forest by means of multi-agency support, is able to reach vulnerable families and children, with the implementation of bespoke arrangements if necessary.

·         That in response to a Member question regarding the relationship with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), a separate update on CAMHS will be provided at the November meeting of the Select Committee.

·         That people recruited to the multi-agency group bring with them a wide range of excellent skills to benefit the Service and there are no issues with recruitment or retention.

·         That positive feedback had been received relating to the Talking Teens programme in the New Forest which offered ideas and strategies for parents to maintain boundaries, motivation and support for young people in an emotionally healthy context.  Members asked that information on such programmes be cascaded to them, when these are launched.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the continued progress of the Family Support Service is noted.