Families First Partnership
Hackney Council is implementing its Families First Partnership programme to reform children's social care services.
Hackney Council has implemented its Families First Partnership programme, a significant overhaul of children's social care services, aiming to prioritise early intervention and improve support for families. The programme, which includes establishing a single, neighbourhood-based Family Help service, was discussed at a Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission meeting in September 2026. This new service launched in May 2026, merging targeted early help and Child in Need services.
The Families First Partnership programme represents the most substantial changes to children's social care since the Children Act 1989, according to Hackney Council. Its reforms seek to prevent family crises by empowering family networks and fostering multi-agency collaboration. The initiative is a programme of reforms to children's social care services implemented by Hackney Council.
Key facts
- Hackney Council implemented its Families First Partnership programme to overhaul children's social care services. Source
- The Families First Partnership programme was discussed at a Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission meeting in September 2026. Source
- The new single, neighbourhood-based Family Help service, part of the programme, launched on 5th May 2026. Source
- The programme merges targeted early help and Child in Need services into the new Family Help service. Source
- Hackney Council states the programme represents the most substantial changes to children's social care since the Children Act 1989. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 1 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.