Children’s social work services are being redesigned to improve help and support for families.
Plans are at an early stage to develop a single point of contact and actions to enhance early interventions and support.
West Dunbartonshire Council revealed the plans after becoming the first Scottish local authority to support a campaign, which aims to break the devastating cycle of child abuse and neglect.
The Wave Trust 70/30 campaign is dedicated to reducing child maltreatment, abuse and neglect by 70 percent by the year 2030.
The local authority has outlined how it plans to meet the ambitions of the campaign in a report which was discussed at a recent council meeting.
Lesley James, chief social work officer, said the West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (WDHSCP) redesign would “improve access to services, reduce waiting times and improve outcomes”.
An HSCP chaired mental health and wellbeing community support and services planning group has also been established to review current community services and supports for children and young people aged five to 24.
Fieldwork is currently underway to work with children, young people and families to identify what supports and services for mental health and wellbeing can be developed or improved.
West Dunbartonshire Champions Board, which gives young people in care a unique opportunity to have a voice, is also helping to reshape the care system.
Other initiatives include a documentary film which has been circulated to staff and the relaunch of an ‘ACEs Hub’, which has 400 members who meet quarterly to discuss topics from bereavement to ‘trauma training’.
SNP councillor Ian Dickson: “This is an excellent report and it demonstrates just how much goes on in the council and WDHSCP.
“I’m sure as individuals, we’re all aware of at least some of the work which goes on in the champions board, which gives our care experienced young people a voice.
“Back in August when I spoke to the motion I said it was good to see so many examples going on already and although the report doesn’t require a decision today, it marks a point in the journey to achieve the objective in the campaign.”
