Walsall and Wolverhampton councils have announced they are continuing to work with the Government on a £45m pilot programme aimed at improving child protection.
The Department for Education (DfE) selected Wolverhampton to pilot the Families First for Children programme in 2023, and Walsall followed in April 2024.
The initiative, which includes 10 areas in England, focuses on providing early intervention to help families facing domestic abuse, addiction, or mental health issues, with the goal of preventing children from entering care.
Cllr Stacie Elson, portfolio holder for Children's Services at Walsall Council, said a programme of this magnitude ‘will never be a quick fix’.
However, she added: ‘We’re constantly listening to what’s working well and what isn’t, and an additional year of funding will help us to continue these conversations and be confident we’re designing a model of work that will help our families thrive.’
Cllr Jacqui Coogan, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Education for City of Wolverhampton Council, commented: ‘Participating in the Families First for Children programme is an exciting opportunity for Wolverhampton to contribute to and shape national reform, ensuring families across the city are given the right support at the right time so that children can thrive with their families.’
