Family First Programme
Overview
Family First is a new programme that will change how services for children and families are provided. The aim is for every child in East Sussex to thrive at home, in school and in their community.
We are changing how we work so families get help earlier and in their local area. These pages explain what is changing and how you can take part.
Earlier intervention
We are offering expert help and guidance via a Consultation Advice Line. This gives all professionals the opportunity to talk things through and get reassurance about the advice they are offering.
This support is aimed at professionals helping families with emerging difficulties. You can find out more about what that means by looking at the Continuum of Need which shows what kind of help is needed and when.
If it becomes clear a family needs further support, you can request a consultation with a Team Around the Family Coordinator who can link the right people together.
Don’t forget, if you need to raise a safeguarding concern because you are worried about a risk of harm or think a child is in immediate danger, you need to continue to contact SPoA.
How we are working
- focus on earlier intervention and whole family support
- make it easier to get the right help first time
- strengthen local, place based working between professionals
- reduce the need for statutory intervention where safe to do so
What does this mean for you?
If you work with children and families, you’ll have more support and resources to help families sooner. If you are a family, you can expect more coordinated help, with your needs at the centre.
What is changing
The Family First programme has four strands:
- Earlier intervention
In East Sussex, earlier intervention is our first priority. It's about ensuring families get the right help, at the right time, before problems more serious. We are supporting all professionals working with children and families, in education, health, police, voluntary and community organisations.
- Family help teams
Bring together early help and social work staff to offer seamless, relationship based support: Family Help teams. - Multi‑agency child protection teams
Develop a consistent, multi agency approach with police, education and health: Multi-agency child protection teams (MACPT) - Family networks and kinship care
Help families plan support and care solutions within their wider network: Family network and kinship care
Why we are doing this
National reforms set a clear direction to improve support for children and families. Locally we are shifting from reactive, crisis led work to earlier, joined up family help.
- Children’s Wellbeing and Education Bill
- Department for Education’s Families First Partnership Programme
What's next?
Family First will be rolled out over the coming months, with regular updates, training, and opportunities to get involved. The focus is on building a sustainable system that helps families early, makes the most of community strengths, and ensures children are protected and supported.
Governance
The programme is overseen by the Children’s Services Transformation Board, chaired by the Director of Children’s Services.
Working groups led by heads of service and operational managers involve staff and partners across the system.