Research has shown that parental substance misuse is a factor in between 40-60 per cent of child protection cases. The Families First approach is based on the Option 2 model of intervention which was developed in the UK by Cardiff Social Services in 2000. Currently there are six Option 2 type services across the country and there is considerable interest in the model across the North East of England.
The Families First team have developed the model in a pioneering way that brings together children's social care and adult substance misuse workers into one integrated team which can address whole family concerns. This is highly significant given the Think Family approach that is at the heart of government's approach to working with families at risk. They also hold case-management responsibility for the 4 to 6 months that they are involved directly with the family. This means that they are often involved with courts where care proceedings have been initiated.
Interestingly the quality of their assessments has been highly commended by more than one Family Court Judge. So, again, the model is proving of real benefit in not only preventing children from coming into care, but where intervention is not possible, in providing a depth and quality of family assessment that enables decisions on permanency to be made in a timely manner (preventing drift) and presented with confidence in court. An independent evaluation of the impact of the service on families is available.
Further details can be obtained from:
Suzy Kitching
Team Manager
Families First
Middlesbrough
Tel: 01642 354 070
Email: suzy_kitching@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Information on the Option 2 model can be found at www.option2.org
