Barnardo’s Cymru has secured three contracts worth £1.5 million from Caerphilly Borough Council to help vulnerable people.
The main contract awarded is for child and family support services where a child is in need or at risk of being placed on the Child Protection Register and placed in care. Group and individual support and family group conferences will be offered alongside contact supervision for children in court proceedings and planned rehabilitations.
In addition, children will be protected from harm through the provision of services to families affected by domestic violence, children and young people who are or are at risk of sexual exploitation and those young people who have engaged in sexually harmful or abusive behaviour toward others.
Barnardo’s has also received further funding for two years to continue supporting young people caring for a parent or relative who is sick, disabled or experiencing mental health or substance misuse problems.
It has also been awarded a contract to provide a Personal Advisor Service for young people from the age of 15 who have been in the care of Caerphilly County Borough Council and who are eligible or in need of support according to the Children Leaving Care Act.
The service will be based at the Barnardo’s in Risca and will support young people in dealing with issues such as renting a home, managing on a limited income; preparing a CV and seeking employment.
Pat Duke, assistant director at Barnardo’s Cymru, said: “This represents a significant step on behalf of Caerphilly County Borough Council and its officers and I very much look forward to continued positive partnership working to enable us to provide more services for children who are in need of advice and support to make a better start in life.
“In these difficult economic times it is encouraging to be able, by working together, to be in a position of offering greater support to children, young people and families than was previously the case.”