Parents, children, professionals, and the wider public are invited to have their say and help shape the future of children and family services in the county.

Somerset Council has launched a public consultation to gain insights into what’s working well, and what changes and improvements are needed to support families to stay together and thrive, increasing the number of children that can stay safely at home.

The consultation launch follows national proposals to transform children’s social care. The Government’s goal is to have families and practitioners from social work, police, health, education, and beyond, all working together to promote the wellbeing of children and keep them safe from harm.

The name of this change programme is called the Families First Partnership (FFP) – and feedback from the public consultation will help inform how this is developed and delivered in Somerset.

Your views matter

They will help ensure the Council provides families with the right help at the right time, so that children can grow up safely, with love and support around them.

Focus groups are also being set up for those who wish to participate and contribute further to the conversation. Details of how you can take part are within the consultation document.

The consultation is now open

To have your say, visit the Council’s Children and Families Social Care Families First Partnership consultation page.

If you’re not online, you can complete it at any library or council office across Somerset.

A review of all responses will be provided following the 27 November closing date.

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About this article

October 3, 2025

Ally Laing

Children and Families

Press Release

SEND

Social Care