The IFD team supports children, young people, and families by providing a single point of contact for reporting concerns about child safety and wellbeing. It brings together various agencies, including social workers, health professionals, schools, and the police. This collaborative approach allows agencies to share information and support each other, focusing on the needs of the child and helping families access the support they require at the right time.
Before being chosen as a finalist, members of the team were interviewed by a panel and were asked to provide examples of how partnership working has benefited children, young people and families. One of the panel members remarked on how the examples demonstrated ‘a real emphasis on working with families.’
The Partnership Working Award is open to an organisation who can demonstrate excellence in multi-agency working, breaking down barriers to ensure the best interest of children, young people and families.
Councillor Steve Owen, our Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:
The team’s nomination recognises their hard work and dedication in supporting families in Central Bedfordshire; they have worked tirelessly to keep improving the service and make sure it’s the best it can be. The Integrated Front Door may only step into a family’s life for a short period to provide support, guidance and compassion, but for many families, this is exactly what they need.
It’s crucial that we remember that the needs of the child come first. The IFD shows that when everyone collaborates, we can better support children and families. The nomination reinforces the importance of partners across Central Bedfordshire working together to ensure that every child and family gets the help they deserve.
The National Children and Young People Awards celebrate excellence in care for children, young people and families, and pay tribute to individuals or organisations who excel in quality care provision. The team will find out if they are winners at an awards ceremony at the end of October.