Family Information Service in York sets up social media groups

fis logo

 Virtual champions in York are inspiring Family Information Services (FIS) across the UK to follow their lead, as more and more social media groups link up locally.

City of York Council’s FIS has rolled out a new idea to work with volunteer parents to share relevant information through social media networks. This pilot has been showcased at the national Parent’s Champions Conference, as well as regional meetings and seminars and has been showcased by the Family and Childcare Trust as part of their social media toolkit. Currently, the idea has generated links between some 26,000 group members in York, significantly extending this statutory service’s reach.

These virtual champions – volunteer facebook group administrators – work with the FIS to get important messages out to the community. This includes news about free childcare for eligible two-year-olds, a new toy library or alerting parents and carers to a new campaign against child sexual exploitation or abuse.
(more…)

Vulnerable families helped in York

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.
(more…)

York Family Information Service wins award

York Family Information Service (FIS) has scooped a national quality award.

The team, which supports parents and carers across the city of children aged between 0-19 (and up to 25 years of age for young people with disabilities) has been awarded the National Association of Families Information Services (NAFIS) Family First Award for quality.
(more…)