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Fife Council Update on Changes to Children's Services Contact Arrangements
Created: 05/08/2026News/Events Category: Children and Families
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Fife Council has announced changes to the way Children's Services manages social work contacts and referrals as part of the ongoing development of its Early Help and Support Service.
The changes are being introduced through a phased approach, with responsibility for managing contacts and referrals gradually transferring to local Early Help and Support Teams. The aim is to provide a more timely, relationship-based response for children, young people and families by delivering support closer to local communities.
As part of this transition, the Children and Families Social Work Contact Centre will be phased out by late autumn 2026. The changes will also see the introduction of an eighth Early Help and Support Team, covering central Fife.
What this means for partner organisations
There is no change to how partner organisations make referrals or contact Children's Services.
Partners should continue to:
- Use the existing referral routes
- Follow current contact arrangements
- Submit referrals in the usual way
The Corporate Contact Centre will continue to receive and manage initial contacts, meaning there is no change to how services are accessed.
What's changing?
The changes relate solely to the internal management of contacts and referrals within Children's Services.
An additional Central Early Help and Support Team is currently being established to support the new arrangements. Recruitment is underway, with the team expected to become operational in autumn 2026.
Once in place, the new team will provide the same service as the existing seven locality-based Early Help and Support Teams, helping to ensure referrals are progressed efficiently while offering timely advice and support to children and families.
The Central Team will cover parts of Glenrothes, parts of Kirkcaldy and Cardenden. Fife Council has advised that current arrangements for a small number of schools and health centres may change, with further information to be shared with partners in due course.
What happens next?
There is no action required from partner organisations at this stage.
A go-live date for the new arrangements will be communicated in due course. Until then, all partners should continue to use the existing referral pathways and contact arrangements.
Fife Council will provide further updates as the transition progresses.
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