MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSON’S COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON WEDNESDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2003 COMMENCING AT 2.00 PM

Present :

Mr A J Mellor (Chairman), Mrs B D Clough, Mrs D Gardiner, Mr C R Hancock, Mr J F Howe, Mr R C Richards (deputising for Mrs M J Miller), Mr I R Stephen, Mrs D G Williams

Portfolio Holders :

Mrs J L Wareham

Co opted (non-voting) :

Mr A Clough - Youth MP

 10.      MINUTES

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on the 23 July 2003 be confirmed.

11.      THE INTENSIVE BEHAVIOURAL INTERVENTION TEAM

           The Committee considered the report of the Head of Children’s Services which provided information on the new joint Health, Social Services and Education initiative. The objective of the 3 year project was to produce better resolutions for children and their families achieved by the integration of Health Education and Social Care personnel within the team. It was hoped that this would help to reduce the number of mainland placements and to work with the child or young person within their own family and community.

The Team would include the following :

Team Manager

A teacher,

2 teaching Assistants

2 Social Workers

2 Social Work Assistants

Substance Misuse Worker

2 Intensive Foster Carers

2 Mental Health Workers

The majority of these placements had been filled. It was noted that the inclusion of foster carers within a team such as this was a new initiative. Staff Training and the development of team protocols would begin in November 2003.

The Committee questioned the involvement of Health in the initiative. The Head of Children’s Services advised members that funding from Health had yet to be resolved, but a commitment had been made in principal.

Members were advised that Barton Nursery had been identified as a suitable location for the team although some refurbishment of the building was required.

The Committee thanked all staff involved for their hard work and dedication.

RESOLVED :

THAT the report be noted.

12.      DEVELOPMENTS IN THE LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN’S EDUCATION SERVICE - L.A.C.E.S.

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Children’s Services which outlined the developments in the LACES Team. As Members were aware the Team had developed from a joint Social Services and Education initiative to address the poor educational performance and under achievement of children and young people in the public care system.

Members were advised that Looked after Children were central to Government initiatives and legislative changes to improve the quality of Children’s Services.

The policy identified several key themes :

Raising educational standards and tackling under achievement

The recognition that particular groups were at risk of social exclusion

An emphasis upon planning and target setting

An integrated approach to service provision

Delivering efficient Services

The Head of Children’s Services highlighted the National key objectives which focussed on improving outcomes for Looked After Children. In addition to these, three new Government targets had been introduced this year.

The ‘drop in’ education service was officially opened on the 24 April 2003. The centre had been open one term over this period 32 young people had visited the centre and 15 regularly used the facility’s. The centre had been without internet facilities during this time but members were assured that these difficulties were being resolved.

Funding of the service had been secured up until 2006. A Business Plan was being formulated to take funding beyond this timescale.

           During discussion members questioned the opening hours of the centre. The demand for Saturday opening was currently being investigated together with the resources that would be required. It was noted that the cost of transportation to and from the centre was currently being funded by Social Services. The development of satellite offices was raised. Members were advised that the team hoped to develop this once the existing service was fully established and appropriate staffing levels were achieved.

The Committee suggested agency’s such as the YMCA and Connexions may be able to provide help to the team. The Peer Mentoring Scheme was also mentioned as potential source of support.

RESOLVED :

           (a)       THAT the LACES team investigate working with other agencies such as the YMCA and Connexions

           (b)       THAT the LACES team investigate accessing the Peer Mentoring Scheme.

13.      CHILDREN’S CENTRE PLAN

The Head of Children’s Services presented the Draft Children’s Centre Plan for the Isle of Wight which was designed to deliver combined and integrated services for children and families. Every Local Authority was required to submit a Children’s Centre Plan by the 13 October 2003. The Key areas to which the plan must adhere were outlined.

There had been wide consultation on the centre plans and it was currently out for consultation with 120 different organisations and individuals for their comments

Members were advised that the Children’s Centre Plans formed an integral part of the strategic development of integrated children’s services. The publication of the Green Paper ‘Every Child Matters’ indicated that the development of Centres would be an initial step towards implementing the preventative strategy and reconfigurating services for children and their families.

The Island had been allocated just over £1 million to provide a network of centres across the most disadvantaged areas of the Island. It was hoped that central co-ordination and commissioning of services and joint funding of local initiatives would ensure that the centres were wide reaching. Members were advised that due to an recent increase in rural funding this area would need some revision.

The Committee thanked the Early Years Unit for their comprehensive report.

RESOLVED :

                       THAT the Children’s Centre Plan be noted. 

CHAIRMAN