Explanatory note

This Order brings into effect part 3 of the Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010 (“the Measure”) on 1 September 2010 in the specified areas. The specified areas are the local authority areas of Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taff and Wrexham.

Part 3 of the Measure requires local authorities to establish one or more integrated family support (“IFS”) teams in their area. A Local Health Board whose area corresponds to the area of a local authority must participate in the establishment of the team. Section 58 of the Measure sets out the kinds of cases that can be referred to an IFS team and section 58(6) sets out categories of adults who may be subject to a family referral. Only paragraph (a) of section 58(6) is commenced that is to say that an IFS team will only be able to receive referrals in relation to families where a parent is dependent on alcohol or drugs.

Part 3 includes other provision about the funding of IFS teams (s.59) and the composition of IFS teams (s.60). Sections 61 and 62 provide for the establishment of IFS boards to oversee the teams. Section 63 gives the Welsh Ministers power to make regulations about various aspects of the functioning of the IFS teams and boards. Section 64 requires a board to make an annual report on the team. Section 65 requires local authorities, local health boards, IFS teams and boards to have regard to any guidance given by the Welsh Ministers.