Agenda item

·         Officer to report. 

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Cohesion welcomed the Manager for Partnerships and Youth Development (Integrated Youth Support Service, Schools and Lifelong Learning) and the Director for Schools and Lifelong Learning (Children and Young People’s Services Directorate) to provide an update on the Integrated Youth Support Service in Rotherham. 

Current budget saving proposals relating to the Service were considered.  It was noted that the Cabinet had approved the proposal at their meeting on 15^th January, 2013 (Minute No. C169 refers).  A consultation process would be undertaken with staff and stakeholder groups over a period of thirty days.  This process would inform staff and stakeholders of the saving proposals and invite their comments and suggestions on how to make the required savings.  A number of consultation meetings and communications would take place.  Discussion ensued on the information provided and included issues of work and case load considerations and the Council-wide requirement to achieve savings. 

The recent Holocaust Memorial Event was discussed.  All agreed that the successful and moving event showcased the best of Rotherham’s young people and the Integrated Youth Support Service.  In particular the commitment and passion of the staff was recognised. 

The resilience of the staff was further demonstrated by their positive working attitudes.  They had contributed good news updates for the Cabinet Member.  The good news stories included: -

·         A case study about the positive effects of taking a victim awareness course following a young person receiving a nine-month Referral Order for Arson. The young person, along with their family members, had provided positive feedback about the course and how it had increased their understanding of the ramifications of crimes on the victim/s and wider community;

·         A talent show at MyPlace had been designed, planned and organised by young people;

·         A Targeted Roma Boys’ Group had taken place that aimed to enable participants to develop a sense of self, cultural identity and pride, to tackle inequality and prejudice and to help individuals to represent their community and other young people by taking an active voice and influencing and developing leadership;

·         The Youth Cabinet held their annual Children’s Commissioner Takeover Day Event.  Twenty young people met with twenty professionals to talk about the barriers to young people getting support surrounding issues of self-harm;

·         Dinnington and Maltby Youth Forums were working on anti-litter campaigns in their areas in conjunction with local councils, schools, area assemblies and others;

·         Youth Start were offering a weekly open access mental health sessions in partnership with CAMHS;

·         Wentworth Valley Locality had contributed to the recent decrease in young people ‘Not in Education, Employment or Training’ which was at 5.6% in December, 2013, compared to 7.5% in the previous year.  In addition, youth club attendances had increased at MaltbyLinx and Bramley.  More young people were receiving one-to-one support with personal issues and tracking of 16-19 year olds exceeded the target every month. Lunch clubs and evening sessions were continuing to be provided by the Locality;

·         The Wentworth North and South Teams were continuing to run job clubs, residential provision, diversionary activities and voice and influence groups. 

Resolved: -  (1)  That the information shared be noted. 

(2)  That the Cabinet Member receive regular updates throughout the consultation process and following its conclusion.