Leading Children’s Charities Launch New Partnership Approach for Dundee

Action for Children Scotland is working in partnership with some of the country's leading children's charities to offer support and guidance to families, children and young people in Dundee.

The Dundee Early Intervention Team (DEIT) was launched by the Minister for Children and Young People, Aileen Campbell MSP today [Tuesday, 30 October 2012]. The initiative is a partnership between Action for Children Scotland, Aberlour, CHILDREN 1ST, and Barnardo's Scotland; all working closely with Dundee City Council, NHS Tayside and Dundee Voluntary Action to improve outcomes for children in the city. Funded by the Big Lottery over three years, the team aims to address problems facing children and families before they get any worse, and therefore preventing the need for greater interventions.

Carol Iddon, Director of Children's Services at Action for Children, said: "We know that early intervention can prevent issues becoming deeply entrenched within families, having long-term effects not only on them but on communities. By working with partner organisations as one dedicated team we can offer a full complement of tailored, specialist support; giving vulnerable families the tools they need to transform their lives and fulfil their potential."

Working with families where the eldest child is aged between 5 and 12 and still in primary education, DEIT will offer support, advice and guidance on all, or any aspects of parenting, social, health or relationship difficulties over a fixed period of time. This will be provided to families on a planned basis incorporating early mornings, evenings and weekends as agreed within a family support plan. Additional support will come from a team of volunteers, and families will also have access to a 24/7 telephone helpline for support and guidance.

Hillary Brookes, Manager of the Dundee Early Intervention Team said, "We're excited that we've been able to create a cross-partnership team which will be working closely with a range of agencies from across Dundee to prevent problems from escalating and stopping the need for greater intervention which can only be a positive thing for the children and families we'll be working with. The team will also deliver on the Government's commitment to early intervention and prevention and the principles of 'Getting it right for every child."