Charity Foundations has secured funding from the Department for Education to continue its role as the national What Works Centre for Children and Families after a successful competitive bid.
The grant, of up to £85 million for a maximum of 10 years, will allow Foundations to continue its work to generate and champion evidence that strengthens support for children and families.
Foundations seeks to fill evidence gaps in early intervention and children’s social care and works to support evidence-based decisions for babies, children, young people, and families nationally and locally. Its findings and recommendations on effective interventions have shaped national policy, allowed for millions of pounds in savings, and improved outcomes for children and families. Foundations’ 2023 trial of Family Group Conferences contributed to the evidence base which informed the new duty on LAs to offer FGDM at the point of pre-proceedings when in the best interest of the child. Its rigorous approach to evidence has seen 520 impact evaluations reviewed and summarised in eight systematic reviews underpinning Practice Guides.
Foundations has produced a significant number of practical resources aimed at local and regional practitioners and decision-makers, including seven published Practice Guides; its Guidebook, a free repository of over 130 evidence-based interventions; and a free, publicly available Implementation Framework for designing and delivering services for children and families. Its publications have been included in national guidance to local authorities, including the latest statutory guidance on kinship care.
Over the next decade, Foundations will continue to work closely with a range of partners to advance its work on key priority areas, including supporting parenting, children affected by domestic abuse, fostering, and kinship care.
Dr Jo Casebourne, Chief Executive of Foundations, said:
“I am delighted that we were successful in a competitive process to secure our role as the What Works Centre for Children and Families for the next decade, continuing our vital work to improve the lives of children and families across the country. We are extremely proud of what we have achieved so far and are looking forward to an exciting future working with the Department for Education and all our partners.”
Sam White, Foundations’ Chair of the Board of Trustees, said:
“This is great news. Policy-making based on real-world evidence is vital to improve the lives of vulnerable children and families. It’s fantastic to see that the Department of Education has chosen to continue funding the evidence-building work Foundation does, along with its support to local authorities in implementing evidence-based interventions. The ten-year grant will increase certainty for Foundations in helping government deliver these evidence-based interventions. Speaking for the Board of Trustees, we commend the Government on this commitment to good policymaking and we will ensure the work Foundations does is delivered to the highest standard.”
For further information please contact Silvia Tadiello, Senior Communications Officer, at silvia.tadiello[at]foundations.org.uk.