Staffordshire chosen to pilot new social care system
It's one of seven places that'll be testing the 'Family Network Pilot'
Last updated 26th Jul 2023
A major shake-up of the child social-care system is being launched in Staffordshire to put more safety measures in place for vulnerable children.
It follows a review into the deaths of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes from Solihull and Star Hobson - which found the current system was fragmented and not delivering for children.
Staffordshire's one of the first places set to benefit from the Family Network Pilot supporting children living with their parents.
Children's Minister Claire Coutinho explains why it's needed:
"If you're thinking about vulnerable children, the best way to protect them is to make sure they have strong relationships in their lives; making sure that families, before they get into greater and greater difficulties are getting the support when they need it, so those families can stay together.
"What can be really hard for children in the care system is that sometimes they can be bounced around so much that they never really get that chance to have those relationships in their life that ultimately is what grounds us all, gets us out of bed in the morning when we're having a tough time and protects us when we need that extra helping hand."
What is the Family Network Pilot?
We're told the new system will 'offer a practical and financial help to enable family networks to support children living with their parents.'
This might include buying a new bed, or it might provide a financial grant to top up wages if e.g. a grandad has to reduce his working hours to help provide care to a child and their parents.
To help families make the most of this support, it will be tax free where it's paid in cash.
The programme will start to be rolled out her in the spring of next year.