What is a Family Network Support Package?
This is funding specifically for family networks. It helps family members provide more support.
The aim of the Family Network Support Package (FNSP) is to:
- Help children stay living safely with their birth parents, and
- For birth parents to keep sole parental responsibility, while being supported by a wider family network
Sometimes a child cannot remain with their parents. The support package can be used to support family members to care for the child. This can prevent a child becoming 'looked after'.
What support do FNSPs provide?
FNSPs can provide support for identified needs.
For example:
The FNSP could buy a spare bed for relative's home. This could mean they have the child stay over. This may prevent a family crisis or breakdown.
Support can only be given to family network members, not directly to parents.
Who is eligible for a FNSP?
A family may be eligible if one or more of the following applies:
- The family is open to Family Help and there is a Family Help or Child Protection Plan
- There is a Family Help Lead Practitioner or Social Worker involved
- The child is living in a kinship arrangement and a FNSP could help support stability.
- The child cannot remain with their parents, but could live with a kinship carer with a FNSP in place
- The support from a FNSP could allow a child return home to their birth family
Apply online:
For more information about this scheme, visit Newcastle City Council website.
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