Families and children to access support closer to home under new plan
Children, young people and families across Dundee could benefit from earlier support, improved access to services, and a focus on tackling poverty in their local communities under a new city-wide Children's Services Planning Partnership Plan.
The Children and Families Committee is being asked to approve the Children's Planning Partnership Plan 2026–2029, which sets out how partners will work together to improve outcomes for children, young people and families in the city.
Key to delivering this plan is to provide place-based whole-family support, helping families to access a range of services in their own communities.
The Plan 2026–2029 aims include:
Help lift children and families out of fuel poverty.
Improve school attendance and support children and young people to remain engaged in learning.
Increase uptake of funded Early Learning and Childcare places among eligible two-year-olds.
Provide earlier support for families, reducing the need for alternative care arrangements for children and young people.
The plan has been developed jointly by Dundee City Council, NHS Tayside, Police Scotland, Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership, Dundee Voluntary Action, and a range of statutory and third-sector partners.
It sets out five priorities:
Local place based whole family support - Families can get the help they need within their communities
Physical, mental and emotional health - Support starts early to prevent developmental concerns from early years
Presence, participation and progress in education - More children are included in learning and inequalities are reduced
Children and young people protected from harm - Children are noticed, listened to, supported and kept safe
Care experienced children and young people - Children in care are loved and supported, and can do well
Children and Families Convener Stewart Hunter said "This plan highlights the commitment of partners across the city to improve the lives of the children, young people and families who live in Dundee.
"We know that too often support reaches families only after they have reached crisis point. This plan is about intervening earlier, preventing crises from developing, and ensuring that the right support is available when it is needed.
"Our aim is to make it easier for people to access support in their local area. Different services will work together as one team, meaning families won't have to repeat their story and can receive more joined-up and consistent support.
"Reducing poverty and raising attainment across the city are central ambitions of this plan. From carrying out income-maximisation assessments to ensuring families fleeing domestic abuse can access safe accommodation without delay, this plan demonstrates our collective commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families across Dundee."
In addition to setting out the ambition for the future, the report will also evaluate the previous plan, highlighting the progress made through emotional health and wellbeing initiatives.
The Committee is being asked to note the statutory requirements relating to the Children’s Services Planning Partnership; approve the Children’s Services Planning Partnership Plan 2026–2029; note the evaluation of previous CSPP arrangements; and request that the Executive Director provide an update on implementation in 12 months’ time.
The Children and Families Committee will meet on Monday 22nd June 2026.
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