Evaluation of Sustain Borders

Aberlour Children's Charity supports over 7,500 children annually through various services. The Sustain Borders service, funded by the Scottish Borders Council (SBC), aims to support families with children at the edge of care, preventing family breakdown and reducing the need for care placements.

Sustain Borders provides intensive, personalised support to families in crisis. The service operates on five principles: consultation and co-production, relationship-based support, intensive support, edge of care, not edge of Social Work involvement , and personalised support. It collaborates with SBC Social Work and other agencies to offer comprehensive support.

The service has successfully kept 80% of referred children out of care, significantly improving family relationships and overall wellbeing. Using the SHANARRI indicators, the evaluation shows positive progress in safety, health, achievement, and inclusion among children. The flexible, intensive support has also helped reduce anti-social behavior and build trust in the system.

Sustain Borders complements existing services, providing much-needed intensive support that reduces pressure on Social Workers and other agencies. It has filled a critical gap in service provision, enhancing collaboration and achieving positive outcomes for children and families.

The service has demonstrated significant cost savings for SBC, avoiding upto £4.35 million in care placement costs over 15 months. By preventing children from entering care, Sustain Borders also reduces future costs related to health, education, and criminal justice.

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