City of Wolverhampton Council’s Families First for Children Pathfinder (FFCP), an ambitious programme designed to transform children’s social care, aims to help more children safely remain within their families wherever possible, ensure timely protection when needed and improve how support is delivered so families receive the right help at the right time.

As part of this approach, independent advocacy support for parents and carers will now be delivered by national charity VoiceAbility.

VoiceAbility, which already delivers advocacy services for adults across Wolverhampton, will provide independent advocates to support parents and carers through what can often be complex and challenging safeguarding processes.

The service will help parents and carers to understand their rights and the child protection process, prepare for and take part in meetings with professionals, have their voices heard in decisions about their children and feel more confident and supported throughout.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education at the City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “We are pleased that this important support for families involved in the child protection process will continue in Wolverhampton through VoiceAbility.

“The Families First for Children Pathfinder programme is helping us to strengthen how we support children and families across the city, ensuring that help is timely, effective and centred around their needs. Independent advocacy plays a vital role in this, giving parents and carers the confidence to engage fully in decisions that affect their children and helping to achieve better outcomes for families.”

Emily Johnston, VoiceAbility’s Operations Manager for the region, said: “We’re delighted to be building on the work our advocates are already doing in Wolverhampton by supporting parents and carers to be heard in what are often very difficult circumstances.

“We bring experience from delivering this service in other pilot areas and look forward to working closely with the City of Wolverhampton Council and local partners so that as many families as possible can benefit from this support.”

The continuation of the service reflects Wolverhampton’s ongoing commitment to improving children’s social care and ensuring families are supported to stay together safely wherever possible.

Parents and carers who would like support can contact VoiceAbility free on 0300 303 1660 or make a referral at www.voiceability.org