Contact: Howard Firth, Strategic Service Manager

Tel: 01962 847278 - Email address: [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Executive Member for Children and Families

a) Approves the Children's Services Priorities for Disabled Children 2008-2011 and the framework within which, a strategy will be developed.

b) Agrees to receive future reports, within which a strategy for disabled children will be developed.

2 Reason

2.1 This decision supports the following Hampshire County Council policy:

· "Making Hampshire safer and more secure for all by enabling disabled children to have greater inclusion and involvement within their local community

· Maximising well-being by ensuring every disabled child can have the best possible start in life and the support they and their families need to make equality of opportunity a reality.

· Enhancing our quality of place through developing opportunities for all citizens to be included within their local community.

2.2 The decision supports the Aim of the Children Act by enhancing the opportunities of disabled children and their families to:

· Be healthy.

· Stay safe.

· Enjoy and achieve to their full potential.

· Make a positive contribution to their community.

· Achieve economic well being and independence.

2 Other Options considered and rejected:

3.1 This report supports the County Council in its' commitment to disabled children and their families and underpins our sign up to the Every Disabled Child Matters Charter. It is therefore important to gain the full support of the Executive Member in implementing the strategy priorities.

3 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1 None.

4 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee -

5.1 None.

5 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent -

5.2 Only if item is a `key' decision and misses agenda despatch.

Approved by: Date:

........................................

Councillor Mrs Patricia Banks

Executive Member for Children and Families