Council Secures £4m Government Investment for Children’s Social Care Reform
Lewisham Council receives £4 million to enhance children’s social care services
Lewisham, UK, Children’s Social Care, Government Funding, Families First
Lewisham: The council just landed a cool £4 million from the government to boost its children’s social care efforts. This funding is a big deal for the community.
They were picked as one of seven councils to run the Families First for Children pilot program starting in March 2024. It’s all about helping kids stay with their families and keeping them safe.
Once the pilot wraps up in March 2025, Lewisham will keep the momentum going for another year. The focus is on prevention and early support, especially for families dealing with tough issues like domestic abuse or mental health struggles.
Social workers, who really know their stuff, will team up with other professionals to make sure kids get the help they need. Plus, families will be part of the decision-making process, which is super important.
Councillor Chris Barnham is thrilled about the funding. He mentioned that this reform is long overdue and that it’s fantastic news for families in Lewisham. They’re ready to build on what they’ve started and help vulnerable kids stay connected to their families.
With this new cash, they’re all set to keep pushing forward. The government is also throwing in an extra £250 million for social care reforms across local councils, which is a nice boost for everyone involved.