Almost 300 vulnerable families in York have received help and support to turn their lives around according to figures released by the government today (22 December).
Figures released by the Department for Communities and Local Government show that 282 families have been helped by York’s Family Focus Team, which works with families with multiple and complex needs. Their work involves resolving truanting and antisocial behavioural problems, helping family members tackle addiction or get back into employment.
Families identified as ‘troubled’ by the government are characterised by having no adult in the family working, children not being in school and family members being involved in crime and anti-social behaviour.
The families almost always have other often long-standing problems which can lead to their children repeating the cycle of disadvantage. One estimate shows that in over a third of troubled families, there are child protection problems. Another estimate suggests that over half of all children who are permanently excluded from school in England come from these families, as do one-in-five young offenders.
York’s success means that the team has been given the go-ahead to reach a further 1,040 families over the next five years.
Linda Murphy, Family Focus Service Manager, City of York Council, said:
“York’s Family Focus Programme has involved listening to the voice of every family member to ensure services across the city can then work together in a co-ordinated way to support any issues a family may be struggling with. Each family has a dedicated worker who helps to co-ordinate the family’s plan, allowing the services to offer their support in a co-ordinated and timely way. As a result of the support received, 282 families have worked hard and have already turned their lives around.”
A single mum, who has benefitted from being involved in the Family Focus Programme, said: “The support we received has made such a difference; we are in a better place than we were a year ago. My 12 year old son was not going to school and I was helped to put clear boundaries and expectations in place for him. He has now been attending school every day this year. I had got myself into lots of debt and didn’t want to answer the door. I was helped to put a repayment plan in place to rid us of the debts. I feel better about myself now and feel more confident, I am being a better mum and I know we will have a lovely Christmas this year.”