By IW Observer.co.uk
The Isle of Wight Council has been allocated over £½ million to supply tailored support through the Supporting Families programme.
The £555,000 grant is part of a package worth more than £23 million across the south-east, which will allow councils to support vulnerable families in their communities and help them build a brighter future. Dedicated key workers will work with every member of the families at risk and bring local services together to resolve issues at an early stage before they develop into more significant problems.
Families can be supported to leave abusive relationships, receive joined-up support for mental health issues and help people find work. Evidence shows the whole family approach taken through Supporting Families could prevent children in vulnerable families from ending up in the care system, reduce the likelihood of involvement in crime and support families back towards work and more fulfilling lives. It also found that the proportion of adults receiving custodial sentences had decreased by a quarter, under-18s receiving custodial sentences had decreased by almost 40 per cent and the proportion of adults on the programme claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance had decreased by 11 per cent.
The government says the Supporting Families programme costs the taxpayer less in the long run – by preventing issues before they become more serious.
Isle of Wight Observer