Hackney innovation scheme to divert young people from gangs

Hackney Council is to use the money to set up an intensive programme of "education and intervention” aimed at supporting families of young people at risk of gang involvement and CSE.

This will take place away from neighbourhoods with a gang presence. There will be a strong focus on family-wide support to also help prevent children being taken into care.  

A spokeswoman for the council said it was early days and as yet it was unsure whether the programme would take place within a designated centre or separate locations.

Children’s minister Edward Timpson said: “I know there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to helping some of the most troubled families, they need the tailored support that is right for them and that will help get their lives back on track as and when they need it.
 
“By focusing on the needs of these vulnerable young people, Hackney can ensure they deliver real results for local families and I’m excited to see where this project leads.”

Sheila Durr, Hackney Council’s assistant director for children’s services. said: “Thanks to innovation funding from the DfE, Hackney is excited to be able to realise our ambition for a unique programme of education and intervention aimed at families and communities striving to protect our children."  

This latest package of funding for Hackney follows the announcement earlier this week that £3.8m of innovation fund money would be distributed to four projects involved in supporting victims of CSE.

This includes £1.2m for local authorities across Yorkshire, including Rotherham Council, to recruit and train specialist foster carers and provide safe care placements.

Meanwhile, Hampshire County Council has been handed £4m of innovation fund money to overhaul its children’s social care services.

This will include setting up a new multi-agency team focused on identifying and protecting children at risk of sexual abuse.  

The overhaul will also see domestic abuse, substance abuse and mental health specialists working alongside children’s social workers and a recruitment drive for volunteers to support families in crisis.

In addition, the money will be used to recruit volunteers to support families in crisis where children are at risk of being taken into care.

Timpson said: “By focusing on the needs of these vulnerable young people, Hampshire can ensure they get the tailored support and help they need to get their lives back on track as and when they need it.”

These latest awards take the total number of projects funded through the £100m innovation fund programme to 27.