Families First Partnership Programme
Councils are implementing and consolidating the Families First Partnership Programme to reform children's social care with early intervention.
Bromley Council's Executive approved a reform plan in September 2026, consolidating national reforms like the Families First Partnership Programme into a new Children and Families Reform Programme. This plan aims for borough-wide implementation by April 2027, establishing four locality-based Family Hubs (story 9807). Hackney Council also began implementing the Families First Partnership Programme in September 2026, overhauling children's social care services (story 9425).
The programme, a national reform for children's social care, aims to shift towards earlier, more effective help for families through prevention and early intervention. Hackney's implementation includes establishing a neighbourhood-based Family Help service (story 9425). Ealing Council's Children's Services Scrutiny Panel discussed the programme's operational framework in July 2026.
The Families First Partnership Programme is a national reform programme for children's social care, safeguarding, and family support services. It is linked to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 and aims to rebalance the system towards prevention and early intervention, fostering stronger partnerships and multi-agency teams.
Key facts
- Bromley Council's Executive approved a reform plan consolidating national reforms, including Families First, in September 2026. Source
- Hackney Council began implementing the Families First Partnership Programme in September 2026. Source
- Bromley's new model is scheduled for borough-wide implementation by April 2027. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.