Agenda item

To consider a report providing an update on Phase Two (2015-20) of Hampshire’s Supporting (Troubled) Families Programme (STFP). The programme serves as a key element of the County Council’s work with partners to address crime and disorder. 

The Select Committee received a report and supporting presentation from the Lead for Hampshire Supporting (Troubled) Families Programme, on behalf of the Director of Children’s Services, providing an update on Phase Two of Hampshire’s Supporting Families Programme (see Item 6 in the Minute Book). The Chairman introduced the item, reminding Members that it was a requirement for this committee once a year to consider issues relating to how the County Council works in partnership with other bodies to prevent and reduce crime and disorder. 

It was noted that, as requested by committee members, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight had been invited to attend the meeting. However, he had given apologies. It was noted that the County Council works with the PCC on a number of programmes. Members were reminded that scrutiny of the PCC was undertaken by the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel, on which the County Council was represented by Councillor Jan Warwick.

Members heard that the Supporting (Troubled) Families Programme in Hampshire had been independently evaluated and found to be successful in avoiding costs to public services. The County Council had submitted an Expression of Interest to the Department for Communities and Local Government for ‘earned autonomy’, which would provide funding in place of Payment by Results in the last two years of the programme.

Members heard that 5,540 families in Hampshire would be targeted for support in phase two of the programme, of which around 1,200 would receive intensive support. For phase two, multiple providers were involved in supporting the programme, which was anticipated to help ensure there would be enough capacity to meet demand.

Members asked questions and discussed the topic. Members heard that ‘safetynet’ software was used as a secure location that any agency working with a family could use to access relevant documentation, including Hampshire constabulary.

Members noted that a high number of the Supporting Families Programme cohort were identified as having mental health issues. It was reported that this may not mean a diagnosis by a mental health professional, but could be identified by those working with the family e.g. depression. For issues to be recorded in the families Plan they would need to be agreed between the multi agency professionals involved and with the consent of the family member.

Members heard that when Children’s Centres transitioned to the Family Support Service, there was a slow down in success rates on the Supporting Families Programme during the change over. However, now the Family Support Service was in place this was working well.

It was noted that a report on the impact of phase two was due to be provided by Southampton Solent University. An interim report was due in early 2018, the final report in early 2019. Current funding for the Supporting Families Programme runs until 2019/20 and at present further funding was not anticipated. It was considered that the programme running for eight years was a good amount of time to embed the principles in day to day working across the organisations involved.

It was confirmed that the voluntary sector formed part of the network of organisations involved in supporting families, and in some cases provided the lead professional. It was reported that support would continue to be offered to families beyond the point at which outcomes were reported to central government, where needed.

Cllr Stallard, as Executive Member whose portfolio the Supporting Families Programme sits with, thanked Members for their feedback, and encouraged Members to raise awareness of the programme and the opportunity to nominate families for support.

RESOLVED:

The Policy and Resources Select Committee:

·         note the continuing work of the Supporting Families Programme

·         consider the positive outcomes being achieved through the programme

for families in Hampshire as a significant contribution towards preventing crime and disorder and associated risk factors

·         note the future direction and next steps