1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought

That authority be given to the Director of Social Services to negotiate a contract with the South Central Connexions Partnership to provide funding to employ Personal Advisors who will be placed in the Reception and Assessment teams who will have the specialist role of providing housing advice, support and family mediation. The contract also to provide funding for Social Services Assistants in the Care Leavers teams, in exchange for support provided to 3 colleges on developing mentoring services.

2. Reason(s)

2.1 To assist in achieving the corporate aims of the County Council by maximising life opportunities and building strong and safe communities in line with aims 1 and 4 of the Corporate Strategy.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 None.

4. Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision-maker or other Executive Member consulted

None

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

None

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

Not applicable

Approved by: Date of decision:

Councillor Felicity Hindson

1 Summary

1 This report seeks approval for the Director of Social Services to negotiate a contract with the South Central Connexions Partnership for the provision of funding to employ Personal Advisors within the Care Leavers teams.

2 Background

2.1 The South Central Connexions Partnership is a service for all 13 - 19s. It provides information, advice, guidance and support and brings together all the services that help young people.

2.2 One part of the service they offer is the provision of Personal Advisers. These may be from a variety of backgrounds such as health, careers, and substance misuse, and are trained professionals. Their role is to assist young people with a variety of issues, including for example:-

· life choices;

· agencies which might be able to help;

· relevant advice and information

· careers, training and work paths;

· advice on what qualifications to take;

· relationship issues;

2.2 Hampshire County Council Social Services Department was one of a number of voluntary and statutory agencies who were able to bid for funding where it could be identified that the objectives of the bid were in line with the South Central Connexions Partnership's aims and objectives.

2.3 The County Council was successful in obtaining a level of funding to provide 3.5 fte Personal Advisors for the Reception and Assessment team and for 1.8 SSA posts in the Care Leavers Advice and Support Service.

3. Financial Implications

3.1 The funding to be provided by the South Central Connexions Partnership for the period 1 November 2003 to 30 September 2004 is £247,300. This funding is to be reviewed annually in line with Connexions funding and standard cost increases.

4. Links to the Corporate Strategy

4.1 To assist in achieving the corporate aims of the County Council by maximising life opportunities and building strong and safe communities in line with aims 1 and 4 of the Corporate Strategy.

5. Recommendations

5.1 To authorise the Director of Social Services to contract with the South Central Connexsions Partnership for a period of one year and eleven months from 1 November 2003 to 30 September 2005.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - Background Documents

The following documents discuss facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and have been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1. Published works

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.