Seven more areas in England have been selected to trial the Families First for Children (FFC) scheme, a £45m child protection programme.
The scheme was launched in three areas in 2023 after reports into the murders of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes and Star Hobson in 2020 and a child care review in 2022.
It is designed to provide early help for families experiencing domestic abuse, addiction or poor mental health. It involves the wider family in decision making and introduces stronger multi-agency safeguarding arrangements.
After initial testing in Dorset, Lincolnshire and Wolverhampton, FCC will be implemented in Luton, Redbridge, Lewisham, Warrington, Walsall, Warwickshire and the Wirral.