Archived decisions

COUNCIL MEETING, 22 NOVEMBER 2007

REPORT OF THE

EXECUTIVE LEAD MEMBER FOR CHILDREN'S SERVICES (EDUCATION)

AND EXECUTIVE MEMBER FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ACROSS HAMPSHIRE

1 In 2006, the Government confirmed that funding for Connexions Services is to be directed through Local Authorities to support the development of Integrated Youth Support Services. The rationale behind this was for all agencies and services for young people, including the Local Learning Skills Council and Primary Care Trusts, to integrate their work around the needs of all young people to deliver the following core functions:

· Improved Information, Advice and Guidance to help young people make positive choices about learning, raise their aspirations and equip them to make safe and informed choices about sexual health and substance misuse.


· Improved opportunities for young people, particularly the most disadvantaged, to develop their social and emotional skills through positive activities and informal learning.


· Better ways to identify vulnerable young people early and provide the right support to assist them to turn their lives around, stopping their problems from becoming more serious - in essence, effective targeted youth support.


· Ways to enable all young people, but particularly the most disadvantaged, to have a real influence over provision and be actively involved in delivering.

2 On 21 June 2007, the Executive Lead Member determined that the functions currently delivered by South Central Connexions in Hampshire should be brought in-house and incorporated into the Children's Services Department in line with the Change for Children programme, and the core principles of the department. Accordingly, from 1 April 2008, the County Council's Children's Services Department will assume responsibility for delivering information, advice and guidance on education, training, employment opportunities and benefits to young people. Also, it will provide services to encourage and assist effective participation by young people in education or training and assess those young people with a statement of special educational needs in the last year of compulsory education.

3 The Executive Lead Member has subsequently considered a further report on the new method of delivery from next April, and has approved a series of detailed recommendations which propose, among other changes, the integration of management, support and premises so that some resources can be directed to increase front-line work to meet, more effectively, the needs of young people. The intention is to increase the number of practitioners qualified in advice and guidance and the contact time each practitioner spends with young people. Also, alternative ways of providing the services run by Connexions Centres are being developed. A progress report on the preparation of the new arrangements is to be considered by the Executive Lead Member in January 2008. Copies of the report on this item are in the Members' Rooms.

4 The decision will seek to improve services provided for young people. This supports the Council's Corporate Priorities.

DAVID KIRK PATRICIA BANKS

Executive Lead Member for Executive Member for

Children's Services (Education) Children and Families