February Activity Blog

This month sees a number of developments and ideas starting to take shape.  We have now established a multi-agency steering group under the county Children's Trust Board.  The membership of the group represents all Children's Trust Partners; it has been established to both support and drive forward our local parenting strategy (download the Terms of Reference for more information on the purpose and remit of the group).

Proposals made to the Children's Trust Executive Group about a method of parental engagement were agreed as a sensible approach forward.  As a result of this I have spent much of this month talking to district Children's Trusts about how they currently involve parents in decision making and they may develop a district Parent Shadow Board

The results of the Aiming High parental consultation were released this month.  Key messages from parents include;

Better information and access to information and services
 A constant battle to get help and access to services
 Lack of joined up services
 A need for flexibility
 Access to family activities and practical help

What parents want is:
 One single comprehensive source of information
 Education for parents and training for staff
 Emotional support & advice
 Access to services
 Flexible, practical short term breaks
 Local services, good transport at convenient times at affordable costs
 More holiday opportunities
 To be more involved

The Aiming High Board has wholeheartedly taken parents views and incorporated them as a key part of the Aiming High Strategy which outlines proposed developments for the next 3 years.  The strategy is due to go to cabinet for approval in April.

Stafford MP David Kidney called for a meeting with myself, the Commissioner for Young People Gill Stanford and Jim Brady Assistant Director, Integrated Services this month.  He was keen to know what I was doing and how my role would make a difference to parents.

"Consultation" seems to be rife this month.  The Children & Young People's Plan is being refreshed - I requested that a brief video for parents was made to help give some background to the CYPP.  Submit your views as a parent by logging onto www.staffordshirechildrenstrust.org/uk/cypp or leave an answer phone message on 01785 854 230.  The closing date is Monday 20 April 2009 and all who submit views will have the chance to win a family ticket to Shugborough Hall.

The Integrated Service Delivery also has a consulting paper out.  ISD is about the way our services for children and young people are designed and delivered.  I sit on the ISD Board representing parents so that's another way parents can have their voice input to service delivery.

..... and last but not least is my consultation about the Parenting Strategy, which actually is a little more than just consultation.  In essence during the month of March I am launching "Listening to Parents"

 

 

 

 

 

I am:
 Going out into each Staffordshire district on a bus, touring each district with the aim of meeting  & talking to parents about the issues that effect them as parents and how to improve access to support
 Launching an online and paper based survey
 Setting up a number of focus groups
 Asking agencies who already work with parents to talk to you about specific issues
 Targeted working parents through large employers
 Asking children and young people what they think their parents need more information and/or support on

So watch out ... and make sure you have your say!!!

The point of this is two fold:

Firstly we want parents to write our Children's Trust Parenting Strategy and;

Secondly if I am going to represent parents at meetings I need to know what meetings parents would like me at and what key messages to give. 

I will keep you posted!!

See you next month.

Charlotte 

Last Modified: 05/06/2009 14:33:23
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