Integrated Family Support
This page is known as: www.birmingham.gov.uk/ifst
What are IFSTs?
Integrated Family Support Teams (IFSTs) are part of Birmingham City Council’s Children and Family Services.Our aim is to ensure children (up to 18 years) and their families receive support early to prevent difficulties from getting worse.
IFSTs are based in 16 local areas, each including Family Support Workers who have a range of experience and skills.
We work closely with other organisations to ensure that you receive the right support at the right time including:
- Schools / Children’s Centres / Nurseries
- Children’s Social Care
- Health Services
- Youth Services including Connexions
- Police
- Youth Offending Services / Probation
- Housing
- Community / Voluntary groups
What does the IFST do?
We:- Work with you and your family to identify your needs and suitable support using the Common Assessment Framework (CAF)
- Provide a named family worker who will be your regular point of contact
- Work with families to ensure children do well at school and maintain good attendance
- Support families at home with practical advice / support and access to parenting groups
- Work with you to develop and maintain positive family relationships
- Advocate on behalf of children and young people to ensure their voice is heard
- Support family members looking for work or training opportunities
- Provide advice to enable families to receive a range of suitable support services
- Budgeting and Debt Advice
How can I access the IFST?
- Discuss any concerns you have with your school, children’s centre or nursery. They may also talk to you if they think your child / family will benefit from the additional support offered by the IFST
- With your agreement, they will contact the IFST
- You can also contact the Integrated Access Team, which is an access point for a range of children’s services.
Our Aims
- To keep Birmingham’s children and young people safe
- To ensure children and their families receive support early to prevent difficulties from getting worse
- To support schools to help children, young people and their families overcome problems at home and in the community that prevent them learning and achieving their aspirations
- To improve the health of children and young people
- To work in partnership with children, young people and their families when making decisions and providing services.