Multi-disciplinary support for families with complex needs and children on the edge of care in the UK: a mixed methods evaluation

Families on the ‘edge of care’ face complex intersecting issues that can work against positive changes and lead to the re-involvement of social care. A multi-disciplinary service working alongside social work and community services teams to respond to the multiple needs of vulnerable families was evaluated. A mixed methods evaluation drew upon service data and cost saving modelling, interviews and a survey of social care practitioners. The evaluation data relates to the period February 2021 -July 2022 and covers 81 families, of whom 41 families had their cases closed. There was a high level of engagement with families with complex issues who struggle to engage with community-based services, with improvements in parental and child risk factors. The programme was successful for many of the families that engaged and half of the children had their safeguarding level stepped down. Significant net cost savings were estimated for avoided care placements plus additional savings such as reduced social care staff hours. The service was clearly seen as an effective and valuable service by social care practitioners and was characterised as having good working relationships, good communication and distinct but complementary roles. The service offered a positive support service model to families based on trust, consistency and immediacy.