1. Working for Families Fund Robert Madden Projects Co-Ordinator

2. Presentation Summary Background Project Development Service Delivery Progress to date Key Impacts & progress to date Project Issues and Limitations of the Fund

3. Background Part of Scottish Executives strategy to reduce child poverty. The funds is aimed at improving the childcare infrastructure in Renfrewshire to provide an effective route to parents to access a range of employment and training opportunities. Renfrewshire Council 16,000 potential beneficaries

4. Service Delivery – Buddies for Childcare (linkworker service) Sourcing available Childcare – Developing flexible childcare packages Assisting financially with the cost of Childcare (Sustainable) Support in completion of Childcare Tax Credit Applications Signposting for specialist support – Employability, Mental Health, Money Advice, Flexible Childcare etc Inter-Agency Support – JC+, Colleges, Uni, SW Dept, Childcare etc. Sustainability

5. Progress to Date 900+ Families Assisted 300+ Into Work (PT/FT) 150+ Families Sustaining Work 250+ Into Training Targets for families assisted to March 2008 – 1800

6. Key Impacts Co-Ordinated approach to Advice & Guidance Access to Opportunity through Childcare Employment/Employability Outcome Increased confidence and self esteem Better informed to make choices Impact on Child Poverty ??

7. Key Barriers (Frustrations) Conflicting Advice from all Partners Agencies Promotion of Work Trials & Settling in periods Lack of Male engagment (Renfrewshire WFF is 97% Female dominated Client Responsibilities in Childcare Providers

8. Key Barriers – Tax Credit System Limitations on the levels of award based on Family circumstances Inflexible – Calculations are based on a 52 week average (Holiday Cover & Short Term Childcare) Conflicting Advice System does not recognise PT Workers that require FT care. Does not recognise Higher Education

9. Key Issues Integration of Services (both Internal and External) Project Monitoring and Evaluation Framework Employment Outcome - Work Sustainability and Finance of Services Mainstreaming (Scottish Executive)