Yes, I've put comments about my surprise (understatement) at how much homestart actually costs the taxpayer
there is the problem. you think that homestart costs money.
In actual fact Homestart saves the taxpayer so so soo much more money than it will ever invest.
Many of our families are in need of help and support. in an ideal world that would come from SS but due to their own budgeting restraints that can't happen.
So Homestart picks up the slack and for far less than it would cost for a team of social workers or paid support workers would cost.
the work we do with the families will help either see them through PND so that mum doesn't end up needing intensive treatment from the MHS.
We help young mothers gain the confidence in their parenting skills, to educate on the choices they make.
help an isolated mum reach out and make friends so that she doesn't end up stir crazy or depressed.
Help a long term unemployed mum get the confidence and social skills needed to get back into work.
Help care for siblings of an unwell child so that they can recieve medical treatment with their mum by their side.
All these things would cost money if Homestarts were not there. And the fact that we assist families when the children are so young we help the parents be the best they can be. we give children a better chance of a happy childhood and therefore their adult prospects seem that much better.
thus saving the taxpayer money in the long run (no prison, youth offending untis, Social security payments, asbo's etc etc etc)
Now whilst to many that will sound like pie in the sky doogooder bull. I genuinly believe in what we do. I am passionat that what we put into the family early on we will reap in later years.