Evaluation of the Family Safeguarding Model

The Family Safeguarding Model was adopted by Hertfordshire County Council under the first wave of the Department for Education’s Children’s Social Care Innovation Programme.

For Wave 2 of the programme, it is being continued in Hertfordshire and implemented in the surrounding authority areas of Peterborough, Luton, Bracknell Forest and West Berkshire. The aim of the model is to better address the challenges in children’s safeguarding and to target the risk factors of domestic abuse, substance misuse and mental health.

We are undertaking a formative process and impact evaluation of the Family Safeguarding Model in all five local authority areas. Our mixed-methods approach includes a rolling programme of baseline and follow-up family case studies, one-to-one practitioner interviews and a cost-benefit analysis exercise using a Fiscal Return on Investment model developed in-house by York Consulting.

Feedback from our clients

  • "It’s a great report, and I’ve submitted it to the Ofsted inspection team." – Strategic Commissioner, local authority

  • “Thanks for such a thoughtful report. It will be very useful to us and other organisations. Another great job from York Consulting!” Local Authority Director

  • “Thank you for this very helpful evaluation. I have only received positive feedback on it. It has been great working with you.” Local Authority Head of Service

  • “Your report was extremely thorough, and I appreciate how responsive you were to our additional requests for analysis.” Government department

  • “The team at York Consulting were professional and a delight to work with. I am very grateful for their input.” Government department

  • "Well done – a lot of work in a short space of time and at such high quality.” Sector Skills Council

  • "Your workshop was extremely well received and enabled managers to gain detailed insight, drawing on your expertise and knowledge.” Senior manager, not-for-profit organisation

  • "It [YCL’s final report] is one of the most impressive evaluation reports I’ve had the pleasure to read.” Principal, Further Education College

  • “YCL staff understand our organisation…I have developed a great relationship with them and I hope to work with them again.” Housing Association

  • “I’ve enjoyed working with you on this project. Thanks for your co-operation and flexibility.” Government department