MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE CHILDRENS' COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON THURSDAY, 17 JANUARY 2002 COMMENCING AT 4.30 PM

Present :

Mrs J L Wareham (Chairman), Mrs T M Butchers, Mr C R Hancock, Mr R G Mazillius, Mr D G Williams

Apologies :

Mrs D Gardiner, Mr A J Mellor, Mrs M Miller

Also Present (Non Voting) :

Mr J F Howe

RESOLVED :

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 5 November 2001 be confirmed.

14. OPEN FORUM

In accordance with Members proposal at the last meeting of the Children's Committee six young people in public care had been invited to address Members on their experiences within the care and education system and of the support services available. The young people currently attended three of the High schools on the Island and the Isle of Wight College. With the support of the Education Coordinator for Looked After Children (LAC) and the LAC teacher at Sandown High School power point presentations had been made of their experiences. Members asked a number of questions of the young people and officers present to which appropriate replies were provided. The Chairman on behalf of the Committee expressed her thanks to the young people for attending and for being so frank and open with their responses. Members confirmed that the exercise had been extremely informative and supported the proposal for a similar Open Forum at a later date.

RESOLVED :

THAT the young people be thanked for their very interesting and informative presentations.

15. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

RESOLVED :

THAT it be noted that the next meeting be held on Thursday, 28 March 2002 commencing at 10.00 am.

CHAIRMAN