MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSON’S COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON WEDNESDAY, 5 NOVEMBER 2003 COMMENCING AT 5.00 PM
Present :
Mr A J Mellor (Chairman), Mrs B D Clough, Mrs D Gardiner, Mr C R Hancock, Mr J F Howe, Mr I R Stephens, Mr D G Williams
Co-opted (non-voting) ;
Mr A Clough - Youth MP
Apologies :
Mrs M J Miller
Portfolio Holder :
Mrs J L Wareham
Also present (non-voting) :
Mr M J Cunningham, Mr R G Mazillius, Mr V J Morey, Mrs E Oulton, Mr J A M D Whittaker.
14. MINUTES
RESOLVED :
THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on the 24 September 2003 be confirmed.
15. THE GREEN PAPER - ‘EVERY CHILD MATTERS’
Members received a short presentation from the Strategic Director of Social Services relating to the proposals contained in the Government’s Green Paper on the future of Children’s Services. He highlighted the intention for children’s services across education, social services and health to be integrated. Key aims of the proposed changes would be prevention, early intervention, clearer lines of accountability and more effective support mechanisms across a range of services for children, young people and families. This would involve reform of those working within the children’s sector thereby providing common working standards and qualifications.
It was anticipated that the initial action required by each relevant local authority would be for them to appoint a Director of Children’s Services and have a lead member identified for children. The Committee was made aware of interim measures proposed by the Strategic Director of Social Services arising from staff changes occurring in February 2004. The new Director’s post would be subject to the normal recruitment procedures.
It was noted that no indication as to any specific funding arrangements had been included within the Green Paper. The Government appeared to be taking the view that by linking up existing services there would be no additional cost implications and in the longer term some efficiency savings should be achieved. Members however expressed concern as to the practical and financial implications likely to be encountered during the transition period of service integration. The funding problems faced by the Health Service were well known together with the service pressures on Social Services. It was hoped that the existing funding would continue at the same level and not be totally ring fenced thereby denying the ability to deliver services identified as of local importance.
The Green Paper had a long term aim for the integrated service provision to come under Children’s Trust. Officers indicated that a number of pilot projects were already being developed in other areas and the establishment of any Trust status should be based on best practice.
The Committee discussed the role of the Police and Youth Justice System in supporting the new integrated service. The sharing of information was also recognised as a necessary tool in effective service delivery. There were limitations however on the type of information that could be commonly made available to each agency and these would be reviewed by the Government.
Officers highlighted areas where joint work was already being successfully undertaken on the Island. This would provide a good foundation to build on. The work of the Youth Service and Connexions in supporting the needs of young people was mentioned. The importance of outreach work was also stressed.
The Committee noted that the Portfolio Holders for Social Services and Housing and Education and Lifelong Learning would be reporting to the Executive on the Green Paper at its meeting on 19 November 2003. This would enable a response to be compiled on behalf of the Council and submitted to the DfES by 1 December 2003. It was believed that the full Council, at the meeting on 26 November 2003, should have the opportunity to discuss the broader implications of the Green Paper.
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO FULL COUNCIL
THAT a debate be held at the meeting of full Council on 26 November 2003 on the Green Paper.
RESOLVED :
(a) THAT the Government be requested to ensure that appropriate funding is made available to enable all the proposals contained in the Green Paper to be successfully implemented.
(b) THAT the support of the Island’s MP be sought in supporting the Council in ensuring that the additional costs implications of changes arising from the Green Paper will not be passed onto Council tax payers.
CHAIRMAN