Council launches child social services reforms

Dorset Council has revamped its social care provision with the aim of reducing the number of children in care or on child protection plans.

The authority was one of three selected by the government to design major reforms to children’s services.

The new way of working allows families to lead plans for the support they need.

Changes include offering financial support to people, such as grandparents, who help the family network.

The authority hopes it will mean more children can stay with their birth families, other relatives or carers who are already known to them.

The help includes Family Network Support Packages - these could include money for a sofa bed so grandparents can stay over while a parent is unwell, or money for an aunt or uncle to collect a child from school and give them dinner.

Family Hubs are also available for advice and will offer activities and social opportunities for children, parents and carers.

Theresa Leavy, Dorset's executive director for children’s services, said: "By involving the wider family network early on, this will mean families are wrapping around and given the chance to support much earlier.

"Overall, we expect this to be a better experience for families who will feel more supported and better able to develop their own plans to keep their children close to them."

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].