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Medway Council in Kent says it is making good progress in supporting local families, following the expansion of Medway’s Early Help strategy.

The work has developed from the learning of the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Troubled Families Expanded Programme, which issued its first Troubled Families Annual Report earlier in April.

Medway Council implemented the programme in April 2015, during the third wave of authorities to provide early support to families with underlying issues, which, if left unsupported, can lead to children being looked after by the state.

Medway Council says it has integrated this work as part of its Early Help strategy.

Latest figures show Medway is making good progress and has reached 8.4% of its overall target to work with 2,060 families by 2020.

Medway Council has also been successful in reaching “significant and sustained progress” with 100 families – and continuous employment with 73 families, making 173 families in total so far.

This puts Medway on average with other authorities which began the expanded programme in April 2015.

Medway Council says it has been working hard to transform its services to families requiring extra support – and is working even closer with partner agencies to do the same.

The number of early help assessments being undertaken across Medway has increased from 663 between April 2015 and March 2016, to 844 in the following 11 months (up until February 2017).

In September 2015, the council started a multi-agency pilot of a new assessment tool working for families with additional needs.

A total of 70 partner agencies have been involved in its design – and so far feedback has been very positive, with staff saying the new tool is more user friendly and that the system reduces duplication.

The learning and progress from the pilot tool will assist in the development of a new Early Help case recording system for all Medway Early Help practitioners.

The council is also offering training to all practitioners in Medway on the importance of providing help to families at the earliest point a need is identified.

Medway Council Portfolio Holder of Children's Services, Councillor Andrew Mackness, said:

“Medway Council is committed to working closely with its partner agencies to provide support to families.

“Although it is too early to know the real impact of the programme, it is unquestionable that the help provided at the early stages helps families to take necessary steps to ensure children regularly attend school and adults are put back on a path to work.

“It also helps to identify other important support that may be required – and can help to reduce offending and anti-social behaviour, as well as other vulnerabilities.

“Medway is committed to supporting the Early Help strategy to ensure families’ needs are met and to help make a real difference.”

Duncan Lewis Family Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Family Solicitors can advise on a wide range of family and child care matters, including: