New strategy to help vulnerable young people published
More than 6,500 young people and their families received early help in tackling problems over the last three years in the borough, a new report shows.
They received targeted support at the point of crisis, according to a new Early Help Strategy being launched for the next three years.
Titled “Helping children, young people and families thrive”, the new strategy from 2021-2024 will focus in particular on the first 1,001 days of children’s lives.
The report says it will look to take action early and as soon as possible in order to provide support where problems are emerging for children, young people and their families, or with a population most at risk of developing problems.
The focus will be on providing support to keep family units together wherever possible.
Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children’s services, said:
We have made excellent progress over the last three years in delivering a robust Early Help offer. This new strategy is a continuation of that work, rather than looking to reinvent the wheel.
Whilst we have made great strides, we recognise at the same time we have more to do. We need to galvanise every team, school and setting to be part of our Early Help offer.
We know families aren’t always ready to take up the offer when it is given, and so we know we have to keep asking them in the right way when we recognise they need help.
We also know families often want to get the help they need themselves and so we want to make this easier for them.
This will all be part of our focus in the new strategy.
We are really excited to launch it and look forward to making a difference, delivering the best possible outcomes for our children and families’ lives in Dudley. I would urge people to go online and book a ticket for the launch in March to find out more.
The new strategy will be launched online on March 21 from 9.30am to 1pm. To book a free ticket, go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dudley-early-help-strategy-launch-tickets-216338402987