CYP Now - Guide to Qualifications and Training: Early Help (2)

Early help workers support vulnerable families before any challenges they face escalate and further action is needed such as children being taken into care.

Early help is a vital service for vulnerable families

However, councils are struggling to make early intervention services a priority due to funding constraints.

A joint report by Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary published in November found councils “recognise the importance of early help” but are unable to prioritise it due to “lack of capacity and resources”.

Based on inspections of services in six areas, it also found approaches to early help are too focused on parents rather than children. “Areas must be both family-focused and child centred,”says the report.

Start for Life

The Conservative government’s Start for Life programme aims to improve support for parents during their babies’ first two years.

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