Issue - meetings

This report sets out proposals for a new way of working with children and families in relation to prevention and early intervention services.

Resolved:  That Executive agree to:

a.        endorse the implementation of new place-based prevention and early intervention services within Local Area Teams;

b.        a public consultation and further paper on the delivery of the children’s centres as part of the new operating mode;

c.        receive a further paper addressing finalised proposals on revising the city wide and city centre youth offer as part of the new operating model.

Reason:     This will allow the council to take forward work to remodel early help arrangements and achieve the associated savings targets.

Members considered a report which proposed a review of the Council’s early assistance arrangements for children and families and a new way of working in the Prevention and Early Intervention Services. The review would be an opportunity to realign resources with wider partnership development to tackle inequalities and deliver more efficient support at an earlier stage to improve the long term prospects of families in need.

The report set out the key features of the new operating model, central to which would be the introduction of ‘Local Area Teams’  to deliver the shared, partnership priorities of the new Children and Young People’s Plan 2016-20.

Officers confirmed that the review would provide an opportunity to align resources more efficiently and followed extensive consultation already undertaken.

Members thanked Officers for their work on the report and engagement with all concerned. They also expressed their support of the approach proposed and the need to replicate it across the Council.

Resolved:  That Executive agree to:

a.        endorse the implementation of new place-based prevention and early intervention services within Local Area Teams;

b.        a public consultation and further paper on the delivery of the children’s centres as part of the new operating mode; ^1.

c.        receive a further paper addressing finalised proposals on revising the city wide and city centre youth offer as part of the new operating model. ^2.

Reason:     This will allow the council to take forward work to remodel early help arrangements and achieve the associated savings targets.