Children in Wales has published the 2025 State of the Parenting and Family Support Sector report, which reveals a sector still under significant pressure as it works to deliver vital early intervention and prevention support.
Now in its third year, the report draws on the insight of members of the National Parenting and Family Support Strategic Leads Network. It highlights a workforce facing growing challenges and increasingly complex caseloads, yet continuing to respond with creativity, skill and deep commitment.
Although services are being stretched beyond their original remit, becoming increasingly reactive, addressing and responding to broader social and economic needs, the passion and dedication of staff remains clear. However, concerns about staff well-being exist. Professionals report feeling overwhelmed and under-resourced, struggling to meet demand, feeling they are spread too thinly and knowing that they are not giving families the service they need and deserve.
Despite this, the sector continues to adapt. Innovative approaches to family support are emerging across Wales, led by a workforce determined to make a difference. These efforts speak volumes about the resilience and capability within the sector. The evidence continues to show that early intervention, particularly in the first 1000 days of a child's life, can have a transformative impact on long-term outcomes for children and families. Embedding this understanding into policy and practice is essential to ensure every child in Wales gets the best possible start in life.
This year’s report underlines that not much has changed in Wales since the 2024 report. There is a clear call to action for Welsh Government and policymakers: the urgent need for better funding and recognition to sustain these efforts.
This report reflects what we are hearing from our members and from those delivering support on the ground. It will directly inform our wider policy, consultation and manifesto work in the run-up to the next Senedd elections.
Read the report here