£800k boost for Welsh families in child protection

Families across Wales going through child protection processes will receive vital support thanks to a major funding boost announced by the Welsh Government.

Minister for Children and Social Care Dawn Bowden revealed the £800,408 investment whilst speaking at the Parent Advocacy Network (PAN) Cymru Conference in Port Talbot, with £133,600 specifically allocated to expand the successful Parent Café model into additional areas across the country.

The Parent Cafés provide parent-led peer support spaces designed to help families develop confidence and resilience during challenging times. Evidence demonstrates that parental advocacy plays a crucial role in reducing the number of children entering care, strengthening relationships between parents and social workers, and empowering parents to engage more confidently with services.

The substantial funding package will continue supporting professional advocacy providers including the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS), Tros Gynnal Plant (TGP) Cymru and Mental Health Matters, whilst also backing PAN Cymru’s peer-led approach.

Parental advocacy forms a key component of the Welsh Government’s Programme for Government, which includes a dedicated commitment to preventing family breakdown by funding advocacy services for parents whose children are involved in child protection processes. Plans are underway to develop a new National Framework for Parental Advocacy to guarantee consistent support throughout Wales.

Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden said: “We all want to improve outcomes for children and families across Wales. PAN Cymru has achieved remarkable progress in transforming how families experience and engage with children’s social services in Wales. When I visited a Parent Café last summer, I heard parents describe finding renewed purpose and improved wellbeing. The power of peer support can be life-changing and that was clear to see. This funding will help more families across Wales access this crucial support, helping to keep children safely with their families wherever possible.”

Advisory Project Manager at PAN Cymru, Fiona MacLeod said: “This funding marks a significant moment for PAN Cymru and for families across Wales. It recognises the power of parent led, professionally supported collaboration to strengthen families and communities and ensure families are genuinely heard with compassion and fairness.”