East Sussex has been chosen as one of just 20 areas in the country to carry out Child Poverty Family Intervention Projects.
The scheme, which is being rolled out in Eastbourne and Hastings, is aimed at supporting families who may be struggling with anything from long-term unemployment, ill health, substance misuse, domestic violence or a lack of education and training.
Through the programme families will be allocated a key worker who will provide intensive support, links to other services and practical help and advice. The key worker will support families with housing, money issues and access to training, education and employment for both young people and parents and on health matters, including nutrition, exercise, access to mental health and substance misuse services and sexual health awareness.
The workers will also work closely with children to ensure they are being properly protected and cared for.
The County Council, working in partnership with CRI (Crime Reduction Initiatives) will receive up to £325,000 for the scheme from the Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) over two years. CRI is a national voluntary organisation which delivers community based services to vulnerable people.
Rachel Britt, CRI Manager, said: “CRI is delighted to be awarded this funding to work with families in poverty in East Sussex. We have extensive experience of working successfully with families with multiple and complex problems and helping them to make positive changes to their lives. Our staff are committed to helping families overcome the disadvantages of their social situation and environment and to live healthier and safer lives.”
Councillor Meg Stroude, East Sussex County Council's Lead Member for Children and Families, said: “We want every family in East Sussex to have the tools they need to live healthy, happy and safe lives. We want children to grow up in an environment which is not blighted by money worries, health problems or insecurity. This is just one way in which East Sussex County Council supports families in the county.”
CRI has provided an Intensive Family Intervention Project in Hastings for the past three years working with young people displaying challenging and anti-social behaviour. In the first two years of the project anti-social behaviour enforcements have been cut by 100% and housing enforcements by 75% in families taking part in the scheme. There was also a 75% decrease in the number of children subject to child protection plans, and a 73% reduction in the number of young people excluded from school amongst the families taking part in the scheme.
For more information about support for families in East Sussex visit our family support pages.
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