Children and Young People’s Service Plan approved

Young people in the spotlight in Argyll and Bute.

By Aileen MacLennan

Positive progress has been made in achieving a number of the outcomes set out in the 2017-2020 Argyll and Bute Children and Young People’s Service Plan (CYPSP).

At today’s meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s Community Services Committee, members approved the third annual review of the plan, and were updated on the good practice to date.

The CYPSP, developed in partnership by the council and the Integrated Joint Board, is set within the context of seven strategic priorities of early intervention and support; mental health and well-being; child protection; corporate parenting; children and young people’s voice; substance misuse’ and leadership and communication.

Outcomes that have already been achieved include:

• 90% of secondary schools are now being delivered drugs awareness programmes in partnership with the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP).
• The Social Work Practice Leads development programme is now complete and fully implemented across Argyll and Bute.
• Argyll and Bute achieved the Top Team Award for Quality Improvement (QI) at the National QI Awards in November 2019.  This was awarded as a direct result of two tests of change: ‘What Matters to Me’, which allows staff to gather the views parents at Child’s Planning meetings; and working with school pupils to develop an ‘infomercial’ to provide information on GIRFEC, the Named Person role and the Child’s Planning process.
• NHS Highland, including Argyll and Bute Maternity Services, were early adopters in the Best Start Programme, which sees women building strong relationships with their midwife and receiving care tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.
• A higher number of families are attending Incredible Years Parenting Programmes.
• Young people leaving care are being given the maximum 200 housing points available, recognising their vulnerability as a group and in line with our obligation as corporate parents.

Welcoming the report, Chair of the Council’s Community Services Committee, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, above right, said: “It is extremely encouraging to hear the progress to date, all of which has been made possible by the hard work of dedicated council employees, our colleagues in the NHS, and partnership organisations.

“Although our progress has been positive, and our achievements are to be celebrated, we must not become complacent. It is important to recognise that there is room for improvement and, together with our partners, we have identified our key actions for the year ahead.

“We are 100% committed to ensuring that our children and young people are supported in every possible way, and they are at the very heart of this plan, and every decision we make.”