1. Multi-agency group for Children and Young People in Care
Ann Domeney
Deputy Director Social Care

2. Background
“Care Matters” June 2007 and now the Children and Young Peoples Bill-attempt to improve inter-agency collaboration and accountability within children’s services
“Care Matters” implementation plan is a shift from developing policy nationally to delivering change locally

3. Care Matters Importance of excellent corporate parenting
High aspirations and stable relationships for children in care
Listening to the voice of the child
All agencies directed to work together to develop integrated systems, services and strategies

4. JAR
Requires us to increase the focus on vulnerable children as part of Children’s Trust arrangements
National expectation around “Narrowing the Gap”

5. Importance of Corporate Parenting
Outcomes for children continue to be poor
Reasons for children and young people coming into care already place them at a disadvantage
Essential that their experiences in care reduce this disadvantage rather than compound it

6. Children and Young People’s Plan
Work of group should link to CYPP Outcome on CLA
Based on expressed commitment of all agencies and council departments
Narrowing the gap between children in care and all children

7. Herts Forward HCTP Board HCTP Core Executive Group
HCC Scrutiny Committee
Hertfordshire
Safeguarding
Children Board
HCTP Board
Young People’s
Shadow Board
HCTP Core Executive Group
Crime and Disorder
Reduction agenda
Staying Safe
Being Healthy
Enjoying and Achieving
Making a positive contribution
Achieving Economic Wellbeing
Service Management (Business Support)
District Children’s Trust Partnerships
Workforce
Performance
Planning & Commissioning
Participation
Budgets
Communication
L.A.C and Care Leavers
Bullying
Children with a Disability
C.A.M.H.S
Healthy
Lifestyles
Standards & School Support
Early Years
B.M.E
CC & ES
Parenting
SSOSHL
Integrated Youth Support
Teenage Pregnancy
Youth Justice
Substance Misuse
14-19 Strategy
Childcare Sufficiency
Child Poverty
Integrated Practice (CAF)
Needs Analysis
District Plans
County Children and Young Peoples Plan (CYPP) Priorities
District CYPPs
Stakeholder engagement – Workshops and events
Version 5.3
CC & ES = Children’s Centres and Extended Schools SSOSHL = Study Support and Out of School Hours Learning

8. The role of the multi-agency group for children in care
A key element in an action plan across HCC and partner agencies to improve the service to children in care and on the edge of care and ensure it responds to changing needs
Will focus on those aspects of the service which require development because of the need for multi-agency agreement

9. The role of the multi-agency group for children in care
Officer task group set up under the terms of reference of HCTP
Will link to the Children’s Services and Corporate Parenting Panel through: workshops, receiving and commenting on reports and proposals, making recommendations as necessary

10. Priorities for the Group
An action group to identify tasks and progress action arising from the priorities in the CYPP and the work of HCTP
Must take into account universal and targeted services and not focus exclusively on specialist or acute services

11. Priorities for the Group
Should ensure provision of specialist, intensive multi-agency family support services for children on the edge of care and their families
Identify priorities for commissioning
Should develop multi-agency looked after children strategy

12. Priorities for the Group
Will identify the impact on children and young people in care of decisions by HCC and partner agencies
Ensure that action is being taken to address any shortcomings in the service and to constantly improve the outcomes for children in care

13. Representation on group
A shared agenda reflecting ECM outcomes
PCTs, CAMHS,schools, FE colleges, district councils police, youth offending, third and private sector, youth and leisure
Simple, streamlined with a focus on multi-agency delivery of services for children in care and on the edge of care