A programme to deliver intensive support to families with complex needs has been extended to cover the whole of Wales.
Integrated Family Support Services (IFSS) aim to keep families together by helping them to take positive steps to change and improve their lives.
The flagship early intervention programme is for families whose children are at risk of being taken into care where parental alcohol or substance misuse issues are a major contributing factor. It is also designed to help with other difficulties within those families such as domestic violence or mental health problems.
Local authorities in Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire and Gwynedd, working in collaboration with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, will establish IFSS teams to support families as a unit.
This means all Welsh local authorities, in partnership with their respective local health boards, are offering timely access to the service.
This is part of the Welsh Government’s vision for sustainable social services in Wales and is an example of the kind of partnership work outlined in the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Bill which is currently undergoing scrutiny by the National Assembly for Wales.
Gwenda Thomas, Deputy Minister for Social Services said:
“This is an excellent example of how integrating health, social services and the voluntary sector can help people with complex needs. Local authorities and health boards are embracing effective joint working and I’m pleased to see such strong partnerships as we introduce this new way of working in our communities.
“Substance misuse destroys families and it is often children who bear the brunt. To break the cycle in these families, over several generations in some cases, we must adapt the way services are delivered so parents are given the support they need to care for their children and look after themselves.
“The introduction of this support package in new areas across North Wales is a significant achievement that completes a programme started in 2010. I would like to thank all the teams who are working with families to make a difference to their and their children’s lives.”
