Issue - meetings

The Panel received a report from the Director of Children’s Services which provided an update of the Hampshire Supporting Families Programme. It was noted that the programme has recently opted to drop the word ‘Troubled’ from its title locally in order to help remove some of the stigma and hopefully increase participation.

The Panel heard that the list of criteria used to select families to work with has been extended and that Mental Health was the most common reason for involvement, although this is frequently based on professional opinion rather then a diagnosis. The programme is currently reaching around 1,100 families a year.

The Panel also noted that the University of Portsmouth had conducted an independent assessment of the programme and found potential avoided costs of £2.4million in Phase One. Southampton Solent are currently preparing a similar assessment, due in Feb/Mar 2018 and this will inform the future shape of the programme in the context of Government funding that lasts until March 2020.

In response to questions members heard that;

·         Families that are at risk of financial hardship or in receipt of certain benefits are considered for the programme.

·         There is work to be done in relation to engagement with professionals who work with adult offenders in order to identify these individuals to better support them.

·         There is a continuing effort to make sure professionals are aware of the Programme and referring is quick and simple.

·         Other agencies seem to have been able to rise to the challenge of increased involvement due to the programme.

Resolved:That the Children and Families Advisory Panel;

a)    Note the continuing work of the Supporting Families Programme.

b)    Consider the positive outcomes being achieved through the programme for families in Hampshire in need of support.

c)    Note the future direction and next steps.