Agenda and minutes
Venue: The Council Chamber, Brockington, 35 Hafod Road, Hereford
Contact: Paul James, Members' Services Tel: 01432 260460 Fax: 01432 260286 e-mail: pjames@herefordshire.gov.uk
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE To receive apologies for absence. Minutes: Apologies were received from Councillor J.P. Thomas. |
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NAMED SUBSTITUTES To receive details any details of Members nominated to attend the meeting in place of a Member of the Committee. Minutes: There were no substitutes. |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST To receive any declarations of interest by Members in respect of items on the Agenda. Minutes: There were no declarations of interest. |
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SUGGESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON ISSUES FOR FUTURE SCRUTINY To consider suggestions from members of the public on issues the Committee could scrutinise in the future. Minutes: No suggestions for areas of scrutiny were received from members of the public. |
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To approve and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 31st May, 2006. Minutes: RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 31st May 2006 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
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PRESENTATION BY CABINET MEMBER (CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE) PDF 19 KB To receive a presentation by the Cabinet Member (Children and Young People) informing the Committee of policy issues affecting this programme area and the main priorities. Additional documents:
Minutes: The Committee received a presentation by the Cabinet Member (Children and Young People).
A report had been prepared by the Cabinet Member (Children and Young People) outlining the issues affecting the programme area and highlighting some of the specific challenges for 2006/07.
In presenting his report the Cabinet Member highlighted in particular:
The Committee noted the report by the Cabinet Member. The following is an outline of the responses or comments made during the ensuing questioning of the Cabinet Member.
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JOINT AREA REVIEW IMPROVEMENT PLAN PDF 15 KB To advise on the latest position on progress with the JAR improvement Plan. Additional documents: Minutes: The Committee were advised on the latest progress with the Joint Area Review (JAR) Improvement Plan.
The Director of Children’s Services reported that the revised Joint Area Review (JAR) Improvement Plan, appended to the report at appendix 1, had been accepted by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES). She highlighted a significant statement in the report that “the response to the JAR has been positive and services have improved as a result”. She further reported that discussions were on going with the DfES about the proposals to ensure sustained improvement at the right pace. A meeting was planned with the Minister for Children & Families11th July following which a further report would be made to Committee.
She further reported that since the agenda had been issued JAR Recommendations: 5 - 1) “Build on existing CCM” had been completed. 5 – 2) “Establish interagency common processes…” had been completed; 6 – 1) “Training for new CAF…” was on track and due to be completed in September 2006; 15 – 1) “Ensure effective co-ordination of all consultations...” had been completed and 15 – 2) “Produce and develop a framework…” was on track for completion. Work was on–going to address the remaining key issues.
RESOLVED: That progress against the JAR Improvement Plan as set out in the report and reported above be noted and further monitoring reports be presented to future meetings. |
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THE EFFECT OF HOMELESSNESS OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN HEREFORDSHIRE PDF 29 KB To advise on the work-in-progress to improve the experience of young people and families requiring suitable housing. Minutes: The Committee was advised of the work-in-progress to improve the experience of young people and families requiring suitable housing.
The agenda report indicated the current housing situation and highlighted that the lack of affordable housing and associated homelessness was an important issue for young people in Herefordshire. However, a great deal was being done to improve the housing opportunities of vulnerable young people, including Care Leavers, much of which was reflected in the JAR Performance Improvement Action Plan.
The Director of Children’s Services reported that management of the Homelessness and Housing Advice Services had returned to the Council and an associated shift in focus towards homelessness prevention had lead to a reduction in homelessness applications.
During the course of discussion the Committee noted that while the Leaving Care Team supported and planned the transition of young people, unfortunately, despite assistance by the Team, a small number were in unsuitable accommodation. This concern had been identified by the Corporate Parent Working Group.
The Committee further noted that the Mediation Service had been developed to help tackle the issue of parental evictions leading to young homelessness. The Service also offered support to schools to raise awareness and assist in tackling problems.
Additional funding had been secured from the Supporting People programme to expand and deliver ‘floating support services’ to Care Leavers and other vulnerable young people.
RESOLVED: That the report be noted. |
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MR. H. LEWIS, Head of Social Care (Children) Minutes: The Chairman reported that Mr H Lewis, Head of Social Care (Children), would be leaving the authority at the end of July after serving this authority since its inception in 1998 and having previously served for many years with the former Herefordshire and Worcestershire County Council. The Chairman and Committee thanked Mr Lewis for his commitment to social care in the County and wished him well for the future. |
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Miss S.M. Peate Minutes: The Chairman reported that this had been Miss S.M. Peate’s last meeting, as she would be leaving the authority. The Chairman thanked Miss Peate for her contribution to the work of the Committee as Headteacher representative for the Primary Schools and for her work as Head of Little Dewchurch CE Primary School. The Committee wished her well for the future. |