Decision details

The committee considered a report regarding the Edge of Care Offer for Children and Young People in Cheshire East.

Members were updated that to date, despite extensive efforts, Cheshire East Council did not have a dedicated, timely and effective Edge of Care offer, which would offer families stability. The Council wished to pilot an approach which would offer Functional Family Therapy for families of children aged 0 – 9 and multisystemic therapy for families of children aged 10 to 17, who were on the verge of going in to care, to keep them at home, and to keep them safe.

It was noted that for the first year, the financial benefit would be cost avoidance, but beyond that, if the pilot were to continue, there would be a return on the investment.

It was noted that the funding for the pilot would come from the Children’s Improvement and Transformation Fund and officers were confident that the one year investment would pay itself back by showing success and through cost avoidance, with reviews at the three and six month points. It was noted that a further business case would be developed to continue the pilot, if it showed success, to request further investment for the remainder of the MTFS.

Members were updated that Cheshire East Council would recruit officers, either internally or externally, who would be provided with training from national providers to provide the therapy.

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

That the Children and Families Committee:

1. Approve the Edge of Care approach for children and families in Cheshire East, including the procurement of MST for over 10s and FFT for under 10s.

2. Approve 1 year of investment of £532,822 from the Children's Improvement fund to progress a Year 1 pilot.

3. Note the proposed governance and oversight to ensure delivery and sustainability.