Hampshire County Council Executive Member - Children's Services Item 6 13 July 2005 Family Group Conferences: Function and Management Report by the Director of Social Services |
Contact: Janet Féat Ext: 7183 email: [email protected]
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Summary Plans for phased changes to the management of Family Group Conferences in Hampshire within the existing budget are set out, seeking to improve the way they are used and their accessibility, as well as over time to increase the capacity of the service, in particular ensuring that everything possible is done to minimise the need for children and young people to be in public care. |
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1.1 |
The following decisions are sought: |
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1. That approval be given for: |
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a)The revised purpose and aims (targeting) of the Family Group Conference Service b) The new management arrangements for the service c) The phased implementation of the new arrangements d) A further report being submitted after completion of the first phase in April 2006 |
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Reason(s) |
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2.1 |
This decision supports Aim 1 of the Corporate Strategy: Maximising life opportunities, by increasing the possibility that children will be diverted from public care and be cared for safely within their extended family and community; Aim 4: Building strong and safe communities, because Family Group Conferences are known to help people feel informed and empowered, and require working in partnership with families and other agencies; Aim 5: Improving services, by enabling a more systematic and consistent use of Family Group Conferences across Hampshire; Aim 6: Developing councillors and staff, by increasing the opportunity for staff to practise in a way which has been shown to be empowering of families and which prioritises family members' participation in key decisions which affect their family. |
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3 |
Other options considered and rejected |
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3.1 |
To continue to use a voluntary organisation to provide Family Group Conferences in child welfare after April 2006 [To continue with 3 separate schemes for provision of Family Group Conferences in Hampshire] |
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Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or other Executive Member consulted |
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4.1 |
Not applicable |
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Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee |
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5.1 |
Not applicable |
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Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent |
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6.1 |
Not applicable |
Approved by: |
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Date of decision: |
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Councillor Felicity Hindson |
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