Following wide consultation, Sunderland’s multi-agency Parenting Board has produced the Family and Parenting Strategy 2008-2012 ( 473kb) . Its purpose is to support parents, carers, young people and children to deliver the very best outcomes for them, whatever their needs.

Parenting Support will be offered in three ways or ‘levels’ depending on parents’ or carers’ needs:

• Good quality universal support, in the form of information, advice and signposting to other services;
• More specialised targeted support at a local level to meet the needs of families and communities facing additional difficulties, for example structured parenting groups, home visiting and employment or training advice; and
• Specialist support for parents who are experiencing significant challenges or problems in their parenting role. This will include parents of children with additional needs having access to specialist services such as Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, services for children with disabilities and more intensive children’s social care interventions.

The Family and Parenting Strategy is a living document that will evolve in line with parents’ needs and the changing service development needs within the City. It will be driven by the Children’s Trust and Local Strategic Partnership members.

A copy for Parents is currently being produced and will be available shortly. Please contact Judith Hay, Parenting Commissioner, Head of Positive Contribution and Economic Well-being, on Tel: 0191 561 1972.