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Integrated Family Support
Newport Integrated Family Support Team
In 2009, Newport was successful in being selected by the Welsh Assembly Government as one of three Integrated Family Support Team (IFST) pioneer areas in Wales.
The IFST is a multi-agency team working with key partners in health and social care, and able to respond to the whole family’s needs.
It will initially work with children and families where parental substance misuse coexists with concerns about the welfare of the child.
Newport IFST will provide a service for families in greatest need – initially as a result of parental substance misuse, which builds on family resilience and child safety.
The Integrated Family Support Services model has been legislated by the Welsh Assembly Government in response to concerns about meeting the needs of some children and families with complex problems.
A new statutory framework aims to test the model and evaluate whether it will improve the situation for families in need and the relationships between children, parents and care professionals.
The results of the evaluation will help shape the future of the programme across Wales between 2013–2015.
The IFST has operated since 1st September 2010. Follow the links below for further information:
Team members
The team includes two Community Psychiatric Nurses (CPNs), a Health Visitor, three Consultant Social Workers, a Substance Misuse worker and an administrative officer, who will receive operational supervision and have access to clinical / professional supervision, to ensure and support continued professional development.
The Team spearheads the Family Support Services for Newport City Council, managed by a Service Manager with support from a Business Support Manager.
Who can access IFST?
IFST interventions can only be accessed by families who are receiving support from the local authority’s children’s services.
The children must be on the Child Protection Register, be ‘looked after’ or ‘in need’ as a result of the parent’s substance misuse.
Referrals to IFST must be initiated through Child Protection concerns to ensure appropriate targeting or resources to those families in most critical need. Other agencies and services are not able to make direct referrals.
A Family Plan will be drawn up with the consent and involvement of the families receiving IFST support.
Contact Us
If you would like more information or have any feedback regarding the IFST please don’t hesitate to email IFST@newport.gov.uk or telephone 01633 656656.
Please click here to visit the Welsh Assembly IFSS homepage.
Content ID: CONT498297
