The latest news
Early Help System Guide – Survey results
In our May edition of Families First News we asked partners to contribute to the Early Help System Guide self-assessment by completing a survey.
We would like to thank everyone who completed the survey and we are now pleased to share the results with you and we have extracted some of the key findings for this article (see below). The feedback was invaluable to evidence our strengths and areas which we need to develop further. The self-assessment came out positively.
Some of the highlights from the survey were that family engagement is very good and your feedback is that the principles of ‘Families First’ – one plan, one lead worker, whole family worker, capturing the views of the family – are embedded in practice. A good level of provision is in place to support the workforce in their learning and development and there are a good range of opportunities for networking. The level of engagement between the voluntary & community sector and public sector services is strong, but the devolvement of decision making to local communities, particularly service users, is an area for further development. Below we have selected some of the questions we asked and the feedback you provided.
Under the Section Family Voice and Experience, we asked:
Are all family members’ needs considered individually and as a whole?
The results showed that 56.9% of services do consider the whole family.
These were some of the comments made:-
- Family needs will be considered if the individual agrees and appropriate consent is obtained from the family members
- Not usually, we work on specific issues raised in the referral, and depending on what the needs are, depends on whose needs we consider. Invariably this is the Mum but sometimes we do speak to Dads too.
- Family needs are considered both on an individual basis, as well as the family as a whole throughout the assessment process through to intervention with the family
Under the Section Family Voice and Experience we asked:
Are the needs of families, identified through assessments, addressed, following support, so that they are better equipped to cope in the future?
The results 50% yes and 45% mostly yes
These were some of the comments made:-
- When families engage with the full process they are offered the required support.
- Yes, there is a strong emphasis on prevention and resilience supporting families to identify and develop their own support networks making best use of community assets.
- Yes usually when the family has engaged and the case is due to close, the Family School Worker will reiterate the support and work that has taken place pointing out where the family may have been struggling at the beginning of the intervention, to now at the end, where the family are more in control and can see the benefits and to empower them to feel proud of what they have achieved.
We will always have parents who need more support and come back to our service, but the majority are able to take ownership and move forward successfully.
Under the Communities section, we asked:
Are there close working relationships between public services and voluntary and community groups in your area so that families know where to go if they need help in their locality?
The results 33% yes and 47% mostly yes, 20% mostly no
These were some of the comments made:-
- Yes definitely. We as a service have lots of positive relationships with local churches, food banks, debt advice centre, Women's Centre, Family Centres etc and we promote these to our families regularly.
I make sure that representatives from these groups and agencies attend our team meetings if they can for a cuppa and to keep us updated on what they're offering.
This is also helpful for schools as members of school staff are able to contact us if they too, need advice and guidance.
- Many agencies still work alone and relationships between the various groups can be difficult
- There is a reasonably good working relationship between our service and local services and where a family does not meet our criteria they are sign posted to a more appropriate service. This also happens within partnership meetings and triage.
Under the Communities section, we asked:
Do you feel that you currently work within a community hub model where different teams work together to support the needs of families?
The results 36% yes and 41% mostly yes, 13% mostly no, 10% no
- Yes definitely, we have close links with DESC, the Family Centre, school nurses among others and sharing of information is invaluable to ensure work and support we offer, compliments and aids other work done previously.
- Sometimes there will be a really good joint up, multi agency approach. Sadly sometimes there is not but this will usually be from a couple of areas not one exclusively. Health, school, CS etc all play a part.
Again under Communities, we asked: Are families’ views reflected throughout the period they are receiving support?
The results 54.4% yes and 40.4% mostly yes, 3.5% mostly no, 1.7% no
These were some of the comments made:-
- Yes and this is documented throughout the time the family are open to us using our internal diary sheets.
- The voice of the family is always heard in TAF Meetings, home visits, one to one sessions and through intervention
- There are systems in place through Short Term Work and Family First Assessments that provide the opportunity to review and capture family's views.
We then asked: At the end of support, are families confident that they can navigate local services?
The results 20.6% yes and 69% mostly yes, 10.3% mostly no, 0% no
These were some of the comments made:-
- We signpost a lot to other services and agencies to support the families
- We like to empower our families by signposting and encouraging support wherever we can. This can depend on who we are working with and ascertaining the capability of the family. Those who struggle with technology, communication, language barriers etc are given more extensive support and may well be accompanied by their Family Support Worker to attend appointments at different agencies which they have found is really helpful.
Please contact familiesfirst.support@hertfordshire.gov.uk if you would like any further detail from the survey.
Turnaround Programme – now delivering in North and East Herts
We are pleased to announce that we have commenced delivery of Turnaround in Hertfordshire in our North and East Herts quadrants covering Stevenage, North Herts, Broxbourne, East Herts and Welwyn & Hatfield.
What is Turnaround?
Turnaround is a Ministry of Justice funded programme for children and young people aged 10-17 years old on the cusp of entering the youth justice system. It aims to improve outcomes for children and young people by reducing the likelihood of further offending by providing support at the earliest point.
The programme has been developed with the Supporting Families model of early intervention in mind and therefore takes a whole family approach with the following principles:
- One Assessment – strengths-based
- One Plan – evidence-based interventions and developed in collaboration
- One Lead Practitioner – young people will be allocated with a dedicated Turnaround Intervention Worker who will work also work with the wider family.
A Turnaround Intervention Worker will be based in each of our 4 Specialist Adolescent Service Hertfordshire (SASH) area teams.
Who is eligible?
Children or young people, aged 10-17 years old, must have met one of the following in the last three months to meet eligibility for Turnaround.
- Subject to No Further Action (NFA) decision
- Interviewed under caution following arrest or subject to a criminal investigation attending a voluntary interview
- Subject to a Community Resolution
- Received a first-time youth caution (not a conditional caution)
- Released Under Investigation (RUI) or subject to Pre-Charge Bail (PCB)
- Discharged by a court
- Acquitted at court
- Fined by court
- Those who have come to the notice of agencies with enforcement powers for repeated involvement in anti-social behaviour
- Those involved in anti-social behaviour who have received:
- Community Protection Warning/Notice (CPW/N)
- Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC)
- Civil Orders for ASB
Turnaround does not require admission of guilt by a child referred and joining the programme is voluntary.
Who is not eligible for Turnaround?
The following children and young people are not currently eligible for Turnaround:
- Those open on a Child Protection (CP) plan
- Those open to Early Help (or awaiting a Families First assessment)
- Child Looked After (CLA)
- Child in Need (CiN)
- Care Leaver
- Those who have a current or have had a previous Youth Justice intervention (irrespective of time passed)
How do I refer?
Referrals must be made via the dedicated web form.
All referrals must have informed consent from the child/young person and their parent/carer at the point of referral. This can be verbal consent.
Further Information
You can find the referral form and other information, including an e-leaflet for young people and families being referred which explains more about Turnaround, on our dedicated webpage: Turnaround Programme | Hertfordshire County Council
If you have any questions about whether a young person is eligible or to arrange an informal joint visit, please contact a member of the team Turnaround@hertfordshire.gov.uk
We will be expanding to deliver in South and West Herts quadrants in the coming months and send out an update once we have gone live.
Parenting When Separated Programme
The Parenting When Separated Programme is a practical and positive evidence-based course for parents who are preparing for, going through, or have gone through a separation or divorce.
It is a six-week course that highlights practical steps parents can take to help their children cope and thrive, as well as coping successfully themselves.
Topics include:
- Solving co-parenting problems in a positive way that focus on the needs of children.
- Coping with the emotional impact of separation and learning stress management techniques.
- Helping your children cope with the impact of the separation both emotionally and practically.
- Enhancing communication with their children and with their children's other parent.
The course is free to attend and is open to separated parents from all backgrounds. Both mothers and fathers, resident and non-resident parents. Both parents of the same children are welcome to attend though we recommend you attend separate groups.
How to register
You can be referred by a professional or parents can self-refer here
For more information about relationship support visit
Relationship support for parents | Hertfordshire County Council
Have your say on the future of the Family Centre Service in Hertfordshire
The Family Centre Service works with local midwives, GPs, health visitors, family support, childcare providers, and community groups, to support children, young people, families and carers, providing a range of opportunities to deliver:
- child and family activity sessions
- outreach support
- information, advice, and guidance
- parenting support and courses
- infant feeding support
- adult learning
- benefits advice
- volunteering opportunities
- information about getting employment
- support to parents/carers of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities
In 2024/2025, the Council’s contracts for the Family Centre Service are due to finish. There are two teams that make up the Family Centre Service: Family Support Services and Public Health Nursing.
This consultation only focuses on the Family Support Service element which is contracted by Children’s Services, and Public Health, who contract the Public Health Nursing teams, will be consulting on those at a later date. To ensure a comprehensive approach, we will incorporate the perspectives of children, parents, caregivers, and other professionals, through this consultation process.
We want to hear your thoughts about services for children, this feedback will be used to develop a new service specification and to confirm which of the current buildings should remain for service delivery.
The consultation will go live on the 18 July and will close on the 10 October, we are asking for staff to complete this as appropriate and share this with as many families as possible, to ensure we capture a robust representation of feedback.
The consultation can be found at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/familycentreconsultation
Reflecting on Face to Face Families First Panels
In June, this year, for the first time since the pandemic, Families First Panels were held face to face in all but one district (Dacorum), as no cases were due to be heard at this Panel.
After the meetings, partners were asked by Panels Managers, what they thought about the face the face meetings and all partners were asked to complete a short online survey. There were respondents from each FF Panel except Watford and Three Rivers. The below are results from the survey and partner feedback received post Panels.
We asked: What did you like about the face-to-face Panels?
Your response was:-
- Great to meet colleagues in person, some for the first time! Great to collaborate in real time.
- Meeting professionals from other agencies
- Easier / free flowing conversations / Feels more cohesive
- It was great to finally meet everyone in person.
- I was able to give an update regarding previous discussed family to the relevant panel member.
- The conversation flowed better and it was easier to bounce ideas thought around in person.
- Nice to see everyone in person every now and then rather than always on Microsoft Teams
- Having the face-to-face contact and the atmosphere within the team.
- The biscuits!!!!
- It was lovely to see everybody in person, a good opportunity to bond as a team, much easier than via Teams.
- An opportunity to meet face to face and share updates. We have a local upcoming meeting and there was a service in attendance that we had lost contact with.
- Great to actually meet people face to face and form new connections with professionals you may not have met before. Good for wellbeing to get out of the office and into a new space and to catch up with colleagues. Good opportunity to network and catch up with fellow professionals regarding mutual families/cases.
- The conversations are more productive when the panel members are in the room together. The focus is better.
We asked: What did you not like?
Your response was:-
- travel is not an issue if it is only once every now and then
- as I attend both the North Herts and Stevenage areas in one day, it is challenging for me to hold the full 2.5 hour twice in a day, so it is easier to be flexible when these are held virtually, but overall feel the pros outweigh the cons!
- Some partners explained they had not been prepared for not having access to the internet, to check their systems in real time, as they would be able to during a virtual Panel.
We asked about: The frequency of Face-to-Face panels
Your response was:-
- Most respondents agreed with the FF Panels team proposal to host face-to-face Panels twice a year.
- A small number suggested holding them termly, indicating the value held by partners on partner relationships. Perhaps therefore not surprisingly all survey respondents reported valuing the FF Panels a lot.
We asked: What could we do to improve the panel meetings
Partners report to value FF Panels, when they are hosted virtually and particularly when they are hosted face to face. That said, most partners feel meeting face to face twice a year is frequent enough.
In terms of suggested further improvements, the following is noted:
- Appreciate this is a logistical challenge, but if there is any way to structure cases in terms of age groups this would be useful!
Our response: This presents the team with a challenge as different teams ask for different cases to be presented first, and obviously we can’t please every partner, so for balance we add cases to the paperwork as they come into the team to be heard at panel.
- CAMHS rep
Our response: CAMHS partnership comprises a number of mental health providers, so it would be hard to identify which provider would be best placed to attend. Beginning in July we will have a new Children’s Wellbeing Team which the Panel can refer into. More information will be shared a Panels in July.
- I like the recent improvements, clear guidance on where to record any contact – thanks!
- The pace of the [North Herts] meeting is sometimes a little slow. Professionals read and research the referral prior to attending so it is not necessary to re-read at length during the meeting. The time is then focused on solutions.
Our response: Thank you for this feedback, as a result the Panels Manager will discuss chairing style at the next meeting with all panel members and agree a way forward.
Next Steps
- FF Panels will meet twice a year, next sessions in November.
- FF Panels team will secure venues for face-to-face Panels with wi-fi access where possible and big enough for people to use laptops.
- FF Panels Manager for North Herts will discuss their chairing style at the next meeting with all panel members and agree a way forward, to ensure pace works for all.
Families First Panels are only a success because of
EVERYONE’s continued commitment to them
Thank you!
News from Services for Young People
Consultation about our future priorities
HCC Services for Young People has begun a public consultation on how to develop the services provided to young people in Hertfordshire.
We want to hear from young people, parents/carers, professionals and other stakeholders about what is most important to them.
Summer holiday activity programmes with Services for Young People
We are running free activity programmes for young people across the whole of Hertfordshire over the school summer holidays. The activities are designed to be fun and engaging while supporting young people with their physical and mental health.
Exam results support
Young people who are getting their A-level and GCSE results this summer can get support from HCC Services for Young People as they decide on their next steps.
Whatever the results, our Advisers are on hand with the latest information and impartial advice to help young people with their important choices.
Find out more about the exam results support we offer feedback from the young people who attended
Helping Hertfordshire’s children and young people to have a HAPpy summer
Fully-funded holiday activity camps return for the summer holidays, giving eligible children and young people a chance to have fun, meet friends, learn new skills and enjoy nutritious food.
We are delighted to be working in partnership once again with Herts Sports Partnership and Hertfordshire Community Foundation to run the HAPpy programme (Holiday Activities Programme), supporting local families at a time when they need it the most.
The programme is open to children and young people eligible for benefits-related free school meals. The aim is to help close the holiday experience gap that some families may face over this period to deliver healthy food alongside sport and physical activity in a fun and safe environment.
Hertfordshire schools are now giving out booking codes to families of eligible children. Parents/carers who have not received the code should contact their school office or email haf@herts.ac.uk.
We understand not all families in need meet the FSM criteria, and a small proportion of free places can be provided to families identified by those professionals working with them. A unique code can be issued only to those professionals to share with the family. Any services who work with vulnerable/eligible families and would like a code or wish to promote this further please email happy@hertfordshire.gov.uk for more information.
We will be sharing information about the HAPpy programme on our social media channels so please help us spread the work by sharing our posts.
Further details of the programme, the camps available and to book places can be found at: Holiday Activity Fund - Herts Sports Partnership (sportinherts.org.uk)
Fifty Thrifty activities for children this summer
We would like to invite all Families First Partners to promote our Fifty Thrifty summer adventures campaign to families, after the great success we had last year!
Please use this image of the ‘adventures grid’ and small bit of blurb below to promote on your social media channels, etc:
"This summer, not far from your doorstep and beyond the front gate, there’s lots for you to do all over Hertfordshire. We’ve put together a list of fifty ‘no cost’ or ‘low cost’ activities in our county, providing a whole world of wonder for you and your children. To find out more, visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/FiftyThrifty"
Share your events on the 50 Things to do Before You're 5 App!
As part of HFL Education's ‘50 Things To Do Before You’re Five’ initiative they’d like to invite you to share your upcoming free or low-cost events with us to publish each half term on the 50 Things To Do Before You’re Five app.
The events could be ones you regularly host or one-off events. To be included, your low-cost events need to be free or under £20 for a family of 4 to attend and the deadline for this terms entries is Friday 14th July 2023.
Simply provide the following information half termly in advance using our online form and we’ll happily promote them to our users.
- Event title
- Photograph (this could be a photograph of your promotion poster or your logo, but this is not essential)
- Event description (150 words or less)
- Start date and time
- End date and time
- URL to find out more
The ‘50 Things To Do Before You’re Five’ app has had over 2,000 downloads and your events will be shared though the events section on the app. The “50 Things” app is free to download by visiting hertfordshire.50thingstodo.org or through the AppStore or GooglePlay store.
HENRY healthy families programme - September 23
We now have our September dates for the HENRY healthy families programme.
The programme is completely free for families and runs either online for 1 hour each week or face to face for 2 hours over 8 weeks. Please our view Autumn calendar where you can see where and when we will be running.
Over the 8 weeks we cover the following topics using a partnership approach which is strengths based and solution focused.
- Session 1: Let’s get started (what’s a healthy person? Goal setting)
- Session 2: Balancing acts (balance of foods and looking after self in terms of ‘me’ time)
- Session 3: Needs and demands- parenting strategies
- Session 4: Tuning into mealtimes- healthy habits
- Session 5: Time to be active
- Session 6: Eating Healthily- lunchboxes, Portions and food labels
- Session 7: Let’s focus on feelings (listening and empathy)
- Session 8: The way forward (celebrating what parent have achieved and handing out certificates)
Please also see below the link for our referral form:
https://beezeebodies.com/refer-a-client/
Please feel free to contact me either by email – hannah.roko@henry.org.uk or by phone on 07458301395, I’m available Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
Have a great rest of your week.
Ever thought about becoming a Foster Carer?
“When I moved in with my foster carers, it was the first time in my life that I felt safe, and they helped me change my life. Having supportive foster carers has helped me through college, and also helped me to get a job, so that I can achieve my dream of becoming a social worker” – care leaver Courtney
There are currently 1,000 children in Hertfordshire in need of a safe and nurturing home. Could you make a difference to someone like Courtney by becoming a foster carer?
Did you know that in many circumstances, you can still work in your current job and also be a foster carer? Hertfordshire County Council urgently needs to recruit new foster carers to look after children who need help and support in the county.
Fostering is an extremely rewarding experience and many of our foster carers have second jobs and careers.
We have also recently boosted foster carer pay by nine per cent. In light of the recent Cost of Living pressures and in recognition of the valuable work our foster carers do, we are increasing the skills element of the weekly foster carer payment.
This is in addition to the recent 12.43 per cent Government increase of the foster carer set allowance. This takes a foster carer’s average weekly pay to £502.30 per week (based on caring for a child aged 11-15 and includes skills and child allowance). For more information, visit https://bit.ly/HertfordshireFosterPayIncrease
If you're interested in finding out more about fostering visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/fostering We have regular open evenings where you can find out more information and you can also contact our friendly team on 0800 917 0925 or at fostering.recruitment@hertfordshire.gov.uk