Children, Young People and Families Crisis Support Fund

Key information

The Children, Young People & Families Crisis Support Fund is open for applications from 29 June. It forms part of Hertfordshire’s wider Crisis Resilience Fund and provides short‑term emergency support to help stabilise families at a point of crisis and prevent escalation.

This fund should be used alongside longer‑term support options available via Cost of Living Support, please visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/col

The fund can provide essential items, food vouchers, and support with essential travel where there is an immediate need.

For full eligibility, guidance, and application processes, refer to the Children, Young People and Families Crisis Support Fund Criteria | Hertfordshire County Council

Who the fund is for

The fund is available to families who:

• Live in Hertfordshire
• Have an open Children’s Services assessment (e.g. Child & Family Assessment, Families First Assessment, Short Term Work, or Young Carers Assessment)
• Are experiencing immediate crisis and deep material poverty
• Have no alternative funding available at the time of application

Applications must be submitted by a practitioner actively working with the family (e.g. Lead Practitioner or within a Team Around the Family).

What the fund can be used for

The fund may be used to provide:

• Immediate support for families facing a crisis (e.g. disaster, health emergency, relationship breakdown, loss of income, or essential item failure)
• Essential needs including food, clothing, hygiene items, and basic household goods
• Support with essential living costs (e.g. utilities) or travel
• Essential furniture or household items required to maintain a safe, minimum standard of living

Making an application

To apply, complete the Children, Young People & Families Crisis Support Fund Application

• Applications must be completed online by the supporting practitioner
• Decisions are made at weekly panels held each Wednesday, with outcomes shared within 24 hours
• To be considered at that week’s panel, applications must be submitted by Tuesday at 4pm
• Approved funds are issued to the practitioner to support the family directly

Contact:

For enquiries email: childrenandfamiliessupportfund@hertfordshire.gov.uk

(Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm)