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Families First

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Tackling Poverty

Tackling Poverty
Reducing poverty, particularly persistent poverty, in some of our poorest areas and communities is at the centre of the Welsh Government’s policy agenda.

Finance documentation

Families First financial guidance and information for local authorities.

Families First is designed to improve outcomes for children, young people and families.

It emphasises prevention and early intervention for families, particularly those living in poverty. It works alongside the support offered by our other programmes:

  • Flying Start;
  • Communities First; and
  • The Integrated Family Support Service.

Working with the whole family

The best way of supporting children, particularly those living in poverty, is by working with the whole family. Evidence suggests that early support can reduce the likelihood of families developing more complicated and costly needs.  

Families need different support depending on their circumstances.  Complicated problems need more intensive support. However, some families may need help to overcome smaller problems to avoid them escalating.  

Supporting a family often involves many different teams and services. We want to ensure that these services work well together so that the family is well supported.  

We work with local authorities and other agencies, to ensure that services are co-ordinated to meet local needs.

Next Steps

Every local authority has developed a Families First Action Plan (2012-17). The plans will be delivered at the local level with partner organisations under the guidance of Families First dlivery goups. The Families First team will work closely with each local authority throughout the five year programme.

Further information

If you are involved in the delivery of services to children, young people and families and want to know more about Families First in your area please contact the Families First Co-ordinator at your local authority. Details can be found on the local authorities area page.      

For further information about the whole Families First programme please contact familiesfirst@wales.gsi.gov.uk or 02920 82 3053.