Edges of Care: an innovative approach to transform pathways for children and families
This new, innovative work, funded by The Robertson Trust, will support three Community Planning Partnerships to improve the wellbeing of children and families on the edges of the statutory care system.
Strengthening local strategies to get it right for every child
Understanding and addressing the needs of children and families on the edge of care is critical to the success of Getting it Right for Every Child.
This project will work alongside partners, taking bold steps in the redesign of local services and making changes so that children and families get the right support, at the right time and in the right way.
It’s only by improving these early intervention models and systems that we can reduce the potential for escalation of problems later on in children’s lives.
Calling Community Planning Partnerships interested in taking part in the project
We’re now inviting expressions of interest to work with us and the Robertson Trust for the next 6 months to scope out and develop a new, innovative programme.
Phase 1 – scoping work from March to June 2017
The Robertson Trust has funded phase 1 of this programme. This phase will involve up to three CPP areas working with us to:
- Define the group of children ‘on the edges of care’ and identify and assess their individual and family needs
- Map the support available to these children and families
- Engage with children and families about how the current system is operating, and plan new approaches to meet their needs at the earliest opportunity
- Prepare a detailed plan as to how additional / alternative evidence-based approaches could meet children’s needs, and provide a shift to an earlier model of support
- Consider resources required, and options to access funding from the Robertson Trust and other independent funders
Phase 2 and beyond
The outcome of the scoping work will form the basis of a funding proposal to support later phases of the programme, which we anticipate will run for three to five years:
- Phase 2: Planning, design and testing of approaches (July 2017 – December 2018)
- Phase 3: Ongoing implementation support to sustain positive change (January 2019 onwards)
Timescales for selecting three CPP areas
- 27 February 2017: expressions of interest submitted
- 8 March 2017, 13 March 2017, 14 March 2017: three information meetings / conference calls to discuss the project in more detail
- 16 March 2017: application submitted
- 20 March 2017: application scoring completed, selection of three areas finalised, with scoping work beginning immediately
Community of practice
We’re keen to share and exchange the learning from this work. If you’re unable to take part, then our edge of care community of practice is for you. You'll be able to dip in and out to see how the project is progressing and what we’re learning along the way. You can also chip in with your own views and experiences too.
We're setting the community up right now, so watch this space.
Join our mailing list to keep up to date with upcoming events and discussions, please contact lisa.macaskill@strath.ac.uk
Looking for more information?
To express an interest in this project or find out more information, please contact Dominique Harvey: Dominque.harvey@strath.ac.uk or 01414448547