Family support service to be scrapped

A service that supports families with children at risk of being taken into care is set to be scrapped, despite warnings the cost-cutting measure will have "real consequences".

Safe Families, a church-based volunteer group, provides an "edge of care" service including overnight stays, practical help, advice and support for families.

Lincolnshire County Council said the same work was done by other schemes, and ending the contract would save the authority £133,000 a year.

However, critics at the council's children and culture committee meeting on Friday described the move as politically-motivated and "indefensible".

Conservative councillor Lindsey Cawrey said: "It's a cut to a very important service for some of the most vulnerable in our society – children.

"Why is this proposal even being considered? It runs counter to everything we stand for as a council."

Labour's Kev Clarke said: "This will have real consequences for families. It's performing well, and is valued by families and professionals."

However, Reform UK's Natalie Oliver, the council's portfolio holder for children, said: "It is not a cut. It's a duplication which is being removed.

"The council is in a difficult financial situation with rising cost pressures, and we have to make difficult decisions."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, there was strong support for the service during a recent consultation, with 92% of respondents saying it was very effective.

However, council officers said nearly all families helped by the edge of care service were also supported by other services, and emergency foster carers were still available as a last resort.

The council report recommending the contract's end said: "Families are better supported through increased targeted, multi-disciplinary help which ensures their support needs are identified and responded to as soon as concerns emerge.

"Furthermore, as the needs of families have become more complex, the percentage of families being supported by the service whose children are genuinely at risk of entering care is low."

The contract is due to end on 30 June, with a final decision set to be taken by Oliver soon.

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