About The Project

The FIP is part of a national initiative working to support families with complex problems.   The support is intensive and involves every member of a family (even extended family members) so keyworkers have a lot of contact with clients each week.

A persistent approach is used to ensure that families are given every opportunity to engage with the service. An open and honest approach is also used so that families are fully aware of any consequences that they may face and supported to make necessary changes. During the support the FIP co-ordinates a multi-agency action plan for the family and acts as the lead agency.

Who is it available to?

The FIP is available to all families (with at least one child under the age of 18 years) in the Portsmouth area in any type of tenancy, including homeowners. The project extends out to the Havant area but only for Portsmouth City Council tenants. (There are smaller FIP projects operating from The Roberts Centre to East Hants, Eastleigh and Gosport – for more information contact the FIP).

Although the majority of referrals received are for families who are causing ASB and have an associated risk to their tenancy as a result, referrals can also be made for families who have complex problems (and may not be causing ASB) and are in need of intensive support. This may be due to a combination of issues, for example, substance misuse, mental health, domestic abuse, financial pressures, school attendance, parenting difficulties or other problems.

Referrals can be made by any agency, family friend or neighbour concerned about a family. Self-referrals are also welcome.

What is on offer?
A Keyworker is allocated to each family to provide intensive support.  This focuses primarily on helping families reduce ASB and includes work on a wide range of issues including neighbour issues, parenting, finances, benefits, home management, education, employment and training. A multi-agency approach is used including regular meetings with families and all other agencies involved. 

How does it work?
After a comprehensive assessment is carried out with the family and any other agency who is involved, a multi-agency meeting is organised. This meeting is attended by the family as well as support and enforcement agencies who are involved or could assist in some way. From this, a multi-agency action plan is agreed including all possible consequences if behaviour does not change.  Intensive support is provided for the family by their Keyworker following the action plan.  At 6 weekly intervals the whole process is reviewed.  The FIP can work with a family for 6 months to a year.

What does it cost?
There is no cost to the service user as the project is already funded. 

Interested?
For more information contact Mesha Banerjee - FIP Manager.

Working together to improve the lives of children and families