Agenda item

The Corporate Director for Planning, Environment, Education and the Director of Service Delivery - Children and Young Peoples Services introduced the report on Youth Services.

An overview of the different youth services was provided to the Committee covering activities from the Fiesta Programme, holiday and food programmes, CREST and Youth Services Programming. It was reported that although the last few years had been challenging with the pandemic, new ways to deliver services to young people had been identified including online programmes of engagement. The Committee also heard about the targeted offer for young people and targeted intervention had been delivered to 2856 children this financial year. There was a focus on childrens emotional and mental wellbeing taking into account the impact of isolation and pandemic. It was noted that substance misuse was the most used service so far and this focussed on a lot of preventative education.

In response to Member questions around how the views of young people were considered in shaping services, it was explained that over the past year a survey involving young people had been conducted that sought their opinions on what services they valued, enjoyed, and gauged what fears there were. Feedback from the surveys was used to help shape services. It was noted that all programmes were subject to evaluation and feedback from young people and also their parents. A child voice panel had also been established to voice the opinions of all children that came into contact with Council services ranging from child protection processes, youth justice system or adolescent development services, not just looked after children. There was a variety of opinion as some children wanted online services and some preferred face to face.

Although the report was informative and contained some data, the Committee welcomed further detail about performance data and statistics detailing the amount of young people engaging with services both pre and post pandemic and results from the surveys undertaken. Further detail around youth centre opening houses would also be useful and Members requested that a follow up report be provided. It was suggested whether areas of focus could be agreed with the Chairman and Labour Lead for the follow up report.

In terms of targeted services and how children were identified, it was explained that  data analysis but not  profiling was used, however the information collated by AXISfrom a range of different professionals and sources helped to identify vulnerable young people. This could come from a range of sources including schools, social workers and triage through the stronger families hub. Children and young people were also able to self-refer. Schools receive monthly AXIS bulletins that highlighted the services and programmes available and forums such as the Youth Justice Strategic Partnership Board or Safeguarding Childrens Partnership were used to raise awareness.

Members commented that the information available on youth centres was limited particularly around the hours of operation. Members welcomed further information on the specific services provided by the Council including details on the youth services budget, how many hours for delivery and how many children were being accommodated.

In response to Member questions around domestic abuse, it was noted that children could also be involved in domestic abusive intimate relationships. It was acknowledged that knife crime was a concerning issue and although it was minority more needed to be done to target this group. A thematic review was due to take place in Hillingdon looking at partnerships, focusing on what was being done in areas of childrens services, police, education and health. At least 80 children had been identified as being at risk of serious youth violence and criminal exploitation. This was a priority for all agencies..

In regard to the adolescent development service and how the dynamic flexible responsive service worked in practice, it was explained that the pandemic had demonstrated how services could be delivered in a different way.

It was reported that an analysis of demographic data had identified areas where take up of services was low. Rather than having standalone youth services, encompassing a family approach is more  beneficial. Work in this area had started with the introduction of Parent Champions. There had generally been a change in approach with a focus on how communities were engaging with services.

Members thanked officers for the presentation and the work that was being done to keep the service fresh and relevant for young people. The Committee considered that it would have been helpful to receive statistical information to make assessments on how the service was performing and agreed that it would be useful to receive a follow up report.

RESOLVED: That the Committee:

1.    noted the information presented in the report.

2.    the Chairman and Labour Lead would agree areas of focus for the follow up report.