Founded in 2018 with Stockport Council, New Beginnings works with families involved in the child protection system. The programme recognises the past trauma many of these parents have experienced, which can contribute to mental health, alcohol and drug difficulties. It is based on a holistic approach to working with parents, which was evident in family centres in Flanders, Belgium.
A 24-week programme, New Beginnings supports parents to understand their past and identity and develop their strength, knowledge, skills and ability to improve their parenting via weekly group sessions and support other parents. The sessions are delivere by therapeutic social work practitioners and act as a safe space for parents to share challenges together. New Beginnings also run 1:1 key work sessions with parents, and key workers are able to support parents through child protection meetings and help them navigate the complex process. The strength-based Video Interaction Guidance approach helps parents to better connect with their children. In addition, parents who have previously worked through the New Beginnings programme are able to become peer mentors to other parents, harnessing the value of support from those with lived experience.
An initial evaluation of New Beginnings’ pilot cohort highlighted a meaningful, positive change in parents’ involvement with children’s social care, as well as a better understanding of safety and risk and how to create a safe home environment. It was noted that risk to children involved in the pilot were related to emotional harm, educational attainment, neglect and protection from domestic abuse. The evaluation also emphasised the importance of the relationship
developed between New Beginnings staff and parents, which were sensitive and trusting. Stockport Council indicated that the programme could lead to cost savings of around £219,000. The peer mentoring element of the project was also analysed, with reports from peer mentors that participating in this project had been ‘life changing’ for them and mentees reflected on the availability and value of their peer mentors positively, helping them to better engage with social work teams. The programme was highlighted in the Care Review as a positive approach to better parental engagement in the child protection system.