Thursday 26th January 2006
I'd like to take time this week to explain a little about my role, as there are bound to still be some who don't fully grasp who I am and indeed what I do!
The latest legislation for children - The Children Act 2004 - is about making sure that local authorities work more closely with other agencies and changing the way that services are delivered to children. The act also included the first appointment of England's Children's Commissioner, Al Aynsley Green. His role is to promote awareness of the views and interests of children; mine mirrors this for children and young people here in Staffordshire.
I will be ensuring that the 'people with power' know what Staffordshire's children want and what your views are before plans are made, making sure that you are involved at every stage, not afterwards as may have happened previously.
If you know about a service that you think I may/should be interested in, please email it to me!
My week began with the first meeting of the Corporate parenting panel, which consists of the elected members of Staffordshire County Council and senior childcare managers. They come together to discuss issues that may affect those children and young people who are 'looked after' by Staffordshire County Council. This is an exciting development and I attend this meeting to make sure that their views and interests are heard and promoted.
This week I have received a response from my letter to the assistant Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police's Chase division. I have asked to meet him as I have some concerns about a newspaper article that talks about some town centre curfews imposed on young people who are 16 years or under and are out unaccompanied (without an adult) between the hours of 9pm and 6am. I aim to find out much more about this when I visit next month and will keep you updated.
If you have a view about this - I'd like to know - please email me!
I have also attended a half day healthy schools conference, with practical demonstrations and talks about PSHE/healthy eating/physical activity and emotional health and well being. It included a short play by a group of primary school children which made it fun!
Later today I'm visiting Cannock Chase Children's Centre and expect this to be an interesting visit - I will report back next week on the kind of work that they do.
The end of the week will be spent with members of the Children's Trust Board - one of the many things on the agenda is the draft children's plan that I mentioned last week.
Sunday will be probably the highlight of my week as I meet the members of YAK (Youth Action Kouncil) for the first of what I hope to be many thought provoking meetings.
As always, you can contact me through the website, I welcome any views on any of the things I've talked about, or suggestions of how to get in touch with young people just like you.
Gill
Last Modified:
29/09/2006 08:29:24
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