Families First Update for Safeguarding Partners – July 2026
Families First Update for Safeguarding Partners
Families First Strategic Board Update
The Families First programme continues to embed across Newcastle following the introduction of the new delivery model and service structure. Recent discussions have focused on how the model is working in practice, the experiences of staff and partners, and the ongoing development needed to strengthen support for children, young people and families across the city. The new arrangements bring together targeted early help and Child in Need services within a single Family Help approach, supported by a redesigned front door, Children and Families Connect, and closer partnership working across agencies.
Workforce development and recruitment
As implementation progresses, workforce development remains an important area of focus. Recruitment activity continues, with staff moving into new roles and services continuing to strengthen capacity across the system. Some practical challenges remain around recruiting experienced practitioners into key roles, and support continues to be provided to teams adapting to new ways of working and broader responsibilities within the Family Help model.
Feedback shows a mixed but developing picture, with many staff welcoming opportunities created by integrated working while others continue to adjust to changes in practice, caseload complexity and new ways of delivering support. Partners recognise that embedding a new model takes time and ongoing support for the workforce remains a priority.
Partnership working and integrated working
One of the key themes emerging from the early stages of implementation is the value of closer partnership working. Children and Families Connect is supporting joint working between children’s services, health, police, housing and other partners, helping to strengthen communication and improve coordination around children and families requiring support. Partners continue to explore opportunities to further increase co-location and multi-agency working arrangements.
Work is also continuing to develop arrangements for specialist child protection support within the wider Families First model. Partners across children’s services, health, education and police remain engaged in shaping these arrangements and ensuring that services work effectively alongside one another.
Practice development and service improvements
A strong emphasis continues to be placed on relationship-based practice and family-led decision making. Family network approaches are being embedded within teams, with practitioners encouraged to work alongside families to identify strengths, build support networks and develop sustainable plans that improve outcomes for children and young people.
The new front door arrangements continue to develop, with positive feedback regarding day-to-day partnership working and decision making. Alongside this, services are monitoring key safeguarding processes to understand how the model is operating in practice and to ensure children receive the right support at the right time.
The Continuum of Need remains an important tool in supporting consistent decision making across the partnership. Safeguarding partners are encouraged to continue using the guidance to help identify appropriate levels of need and intervention.
Systems, tools and supporting processes
Development work continues around performance reporting and management information. Partners are considering how data can best support learning, demonstrate impact and provide a clearer picture of activity across the Families First system. Future work will explore how dashboards and reporting arrangements can be further refined as the model becomes more established.
Quality assurance, learning and performance
Monitoring arrangements are continuing to evolve as services become embedded. Particular attention is being given to family network approaches, safeguarding activity and the effectiveness of decision making across the system. This will help partners understand how the model is operating and identify any areas where further development or support may be required.
Communication, engagement and partnership involvement
A key learning point highlighted through implementation has been the need to strengthen communication with frontline practitioners. While information has been shared through existing partnership channels, feedback suggests awareness of the Families First changes has not been consistent across all agencies. As a result, additional communication and engagement activity is being developed to ensure practitioners understand the new model, referral pathways and available support.
Plans include the development of partnership briefings, practitioner engagement sessions and opportunities for colleagues from different organisations to learn more about the Families First approach. Future practice development activity will also support relationship building and collaborative working across agencies.
Partners are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Continuum of Need guidance, which remains a key resource for supporting consistent decision-making, identifying levels of need and ensuring children and families receive the right support at the right time. The guidance continues to underpin the Families First approach and provides an important framework for practitioners across the partnership.
Future priorities and next steps
Over the coming months, the partnership will continue to focus on embedding the Family Help model, strengthening workforce capacity, developing multi-agency arrangements and expanding communication and engagement with practitioners. Further work will also continue around accommodation and co-location arrangements to support integrated service delivery where this is beneficial for children, families and professionals.
Alongside implementation activity, partners will continue to review performance information, monitor safeguarding processes and identify opportunities to improve outcomes for children and families through earlier, more coordinated support.
Summary
The Families First programme continues to make steady progress as the new arrangements become established. Early feedback highlights positive developments in integrated working and partnership relationships, alongside some practical challenges associated with workforce capacity, accommodation and embedding new ways of working. These remain areas of ongoing focus as partners continue to strengthen the city’s approach to supporting children, young people and families.
