VULNERABLE children in Warrington at risk of being taken into care as a result of their parents’ problems with mental health, domestic violence or addiction will benefit from Government funding.

Backed by £84 million of new investment secured in the last budget, youngsters across the town will benefit from projects being launched in 15 new areas.

Data shows Warrington Borough Council has a higher number of children in care than the national average.

As a result, it will adopt ‘No Wrong Door’, one of three successful projects created through the Government’s landmark innovation programme designed to support families to stay together, wherever appropriate, so that fewer children need to be taken away from their birth families.

Cllr Matt Smith, the council’s cabinet member for children’s services, hailed the announcement.

He said: “It’s fantastic news that Warrington has been successful in securing a place on the programme.

“We’re looking forward to working closely with the Department for Education and North Yorkshire County Council to further improve our practice, bringing together a range of services to support young people with complex needs, so they have the best chance to succeed in life.

“In Warrington, we have an established partnership working between health, education, the police and other public service professionals, which we can build on and improve, and this funding will help us to achieve even better outcomes for young people in need of support.”

Children and families minister Michelle Donelan says she wants every child to grow up in a ‘safe, stable and loving home’ where they feel supported to take on the challenges life can present.

She added: “However, in Warrington we have seen increasing numbers of children being taken into care, often as a result of their parents’ mental illness, alcohol or drug addiction, or the trauma of domestic violence.

“We cannot ignore the disruption to children’s lives that these issues cause, and that is why this Government is investing in projects that tackle problems head on, backed by evidence that shows it can work.”