Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order brings into effect provisions in Part 3 of the Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010 (“the Measure”) in relation to three local authority areas.
The provisions are already in force in relation to the local authority areas of Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan, Carmarthen, Ceredigion, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Rhondda Cynon Taff Powys and Wrexham. This Order brings the provisions into force in relation to three further local authority areas, namely Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend and Swansea on 1st February 2013.
The provisions brought into force place a duty on local authorities to establish an integrated family support team (“IFS team”) in their area. A local health board whose area corresponds to the local authority’s area must participate in the establishment of the team.
The provisions also set out the kinds of cases that can be referred to an IFS team and requires authorities to establish a board to oversee the team. Only paragraph (a) of section 58(6) of the Measure is commenced, therefore, an IFS team is only able to receive referrals in relation to families where a parent is dependent on alcohol or drugs.