Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Cabinet Member for Social Services introduced the report which sought approval to proceed to tender for a regional independent professional advocacy service for children and young people known to Social Services in North Wales.  The collaboration included the six North Wales local authorities.

            In accordance with Welsh Government guidance and recommendations by the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, the six North Wales local authorities were seeking to commission independent professional advocacy on a regional basis.

            The main aim of the project was to address the gaps which existed in statutory provision for vulnerable children and young people.  Other aims included improved consistency, parity of access, accessibility and efficiency.

            As Chair of the Children’s Services Forum, the Cabinet Member for Lifelong Learning welcomed the report on what was an important and valuable service.

            The Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance asked for an assurance that the service provided would not be disadvantaged by the collaboration to which the Chief Officer, Social Services said it would not be.  The quality of the regional independent advocacy service would be an improvement on what was currently a high quality service.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That entering a regional collaboration, on the basis of efficiencies that can be achieved including reduced management costs and shared personnel and resources be supported.  In addition, collaboration between 6 counties and BCUHB would create a consistent regional service; and

(b)       That on the basis of the business case Flintshire County Council will be assured that high quality advocacy services will continue to be delivered and entered to a broader population of children and young people in North Wales.