Issue - meetings

This report introduces the new Children in Care Strategy 2016-20 and seeks Council endorsement of the strategy which has been developed on the basis of consultation and input from children and young people in care, council colleagues and multi-agency partners.

Recommended:(i)      That Council endorse the Children in Care

                                      Strategy 2016-2020 (Annex 1 of the report).

                             (ii)      That Council note the introduction of new

strategic partnership arrangements and strengthened leadership to ensure the progress and delivery of the strategy be noted.

Reason:              To endorse the new children in care strategy.

Members considered a report which presented the new Children in Care Strategy 2016-20 and sought Council endorsement of the strategy which had been developed on the basis of consultation and input from children and young people in care, council colleagues and multi-agency partners.  The report also detailed the new partnership arrangements which would provide strategic leadership across agencies responsible for commissioning and providing services for children in care in York.

Officers drew Members’ attention to the “Aspire to More” project that had been carried out by Show Me That I Matter.

Members noted that a young persons’ version of the strategy was also to be produced. It was agreed that all Members of Council should receive a copy of the strategy.

Members expressed their support for the Children in Care Strategy and stressed the importance of ensuring that there was a collective commitment to the strategy.  The Council’s responsibility to Looked After Children was of the highest priority. 

Members paid tribute to the work carried out by foster parents and wished to place on record their thanks to them.

Recommended:(i)      That Council endorse the Children in Care

                                      Strategy 2016-2020 (Annex 1 of the report).

                             (ii)      That Council note the introduction of new

strategic partnership arrangements and strengthened leadership to ensure the progress and delivery of the strategy be noted.

Reason:              To endorse the new children in care strategy.