Press Release ·
Children and Families Department of the Velocity Interoperability Network Established
The Children and Families Department has been formally established and today launches its official website at children.gov.vin, where guidance for families, the register of early years providers and the Department's announcements will be published.
Services for children and families
- Safeguarding
How to raise a concern about a child, the Department's duty desk and the response standards that apply at every site.
- Early Years
The register of 46 early years providers, the standards they must meet and how to apply for a place.
- Adoption and Fostering
Becoming an adopter or a foster carer, the seven stages of assessment and the support given to approved carers.
- Family Support
Practical help for families of the Network: family workers, parenting programmes and short breaks for carers.
- Statistics
The Department's first statistical release and the schedule of quarterly reporting.
- Frequently asked questions
Who the Department serves, how to raise a concern and what happens after a referral is received.
Latest announcements
All news- Safeguarding Duty Desk Opens to Receive Concerns About Children
The Department's safeguarding duty desk began receiving concerns today. Anyone worried about the safety or welfare of a child in the Network may write to the Department, and every concern is acknowledged within one working day.
- Register of Early Years Providers Published
Forty-six early years providers offering 2,414 places at the six principal sites of the Network are entered on the Department's register from today. Inspection of every registered provider begins on 21 September 2026.
- Children and Families Department Publishes First Statistical Release
The Department's first statistical release records the position at establishment: 11,240 children registered, 46 early years providers, 96 approved foster carers and 61 children in the care of the Department.
About the Department
The Children and Families Department of the Velocity Interoperability Network is responsible for the safety and welfare of children in the Velocity Interoperability Network, whether they are the children of staff of member organisations or of citizens of the Network.
It receives and acts on safeguarding concerns, registers and inspects early years providers, approves and supports adopters and foster carers, and provides practical support to families. Its services are provided without charge to those entitled to them.
Milestones
6 September 2026
Department established
Responsibility for the safeguarding of children, the registration and inspection of early years providers, adoption and fostering, and support to families across the Network.
6 September 2026
children.gov.vin launched
Press releases, guidance for parents and carers, the register of early years providers and the procedure for raising a safeguarding concern published on the official website.
6 September 2026
Duty desk and register opened
The safeguarding duty desk began receiving concerns, the register of 46 early years providers was published, and the Department issued its first statistical release.
Forthcoming
Inspections, panel and quarterly reporting
Inspection of registered providers begins on 21 September 2026 and the adoption and fostering panel first sits on 28 September 2026. The Department's first quarterly statistical report, covering the quarter ending 30 September 2026, will be announced in the Newsroom.