Written question WQ94868

The Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010 places a duty on Welsh Ministers to set child poverty objectives. The Welsh Government’s child poverty objectives are rooted in what the evidence tells us about where we can have most impact in terms of improving outcomes for children and young people growing up in low-income families.

The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 provides a legal framework to improve the well-being of those needing care and support, emphasising the importance of addressing socio-economic factors, including poverty, to achieve sustainable services. Key principles include empowering individuals and communities (voice and control), reducing dependency through prevention and early intervention, and ensuring holistic support via well-being and co-production. These principles are crucial for tackling poverty and enhancing overall well-being.

The Wales Safeguarding Procedures provide comprehensive guidance for safeguarding children and adults, emphasising the importance of addressing socio-economic factors, including poverty.

Within local authorities Children’s Services Teams and multiagency partners focus on working collaboratively with families, leveraging a range of preventative services such as Families First and Flying Start. These programs are designed to empower families, providing them with the tools and support needed to overcome challenges. Several local authorities have developed ‘early help’ and community hubs where agencies work in partnership to provide support across the range of their community's needs, for many this includes colocation of children’s services, employment support services, housing and health.

Children’s Services conduct proportionate assessments that consider the strengths and needs of a family and individuals within it. These assessments follow the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families, ensuring a comprehensive approach that includes evaluating income, housing, community integration, and support networks. The purpose of this is to fully understand the circumstances of a family and identify appropriate support to reduce the likelihood of needs escalating.