Innovate CYPS scoops Social Work Award at CYP Now Awards

Photography credit: Julian Dodd

We’re absolutely bursting with pride here at Innovate Services.

Last night, our Innovate CYPS’ team was recognised for their outstanding work with Enfield Borough Council in finding a sustainable and cost-effective way of reducing the number of children on the edge of care from becoming Looked-After Children.

Social Work Award 2019

Our Edge of Care Programme was awarded the Social Work Award at the highly regarded Children & Young People Now Awards. The award recognises the initiative that has made the biggest contribution in transforming the life chances and opportunities for vulnerable children and young people.

The 80 children on the 12-month Edge of Care Programme presented with complex needs and had been identified by the Council as being extremely vulnerable. With 45% not engaging in education at the start of the programme, they also faced the very real threat of child criminal exploitation, child sexual exploitation, knife crime, county lines and gang infiltration.

The award recognises Innovate CYPS’ success not just in preventing those children and young people from entering care but in improving their life chances for the long-term. For the first cohort of children, 23 out 40 cases were closed to the local authority and 100% of children and young people were in some form of education or in employment. As we come to the end of second cohort of children, the results are looking equally positive.

Child-centred approach

At the heart of the programme is a child-centred approach; something the judges noted. As the winner of the award, we were recognised for our approach to building relationships and helping families experiencing difficulties where there are child protection concerns.

Commenting on the atmosphere at the awards ceremony, Liz Hewitt, Innovate CYPS’ Head of Service, said:

“The energy in the room was incredible. The CYP Now Awards received over 600 entries this year. Every single person was there because they had made a measurable difference to the lives of children and young people. When we found out we had won the award, we were ecstatic. Of course, we have quite a big team of social workers, multidisciplinary staff and internal Council staff who have been instrumental in delivering the Edge of Care Programme. Sharing the news with everyone was really special. We are only able to make the impact we do by working collaboratively and this award recognises that.”

To find out more about our Edge of Care Programme at Enfield Borough Council, read our full case study.