The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “M”) presents an update on Family Hubs implementation and outcomes from the Children’s Centre estates consultation.

Recommended –

Bradford West Area Committee is asked to note the report, progress to date and provide support and guidance on the on-going co-production of the Family Hubs offer.

(Anne Chester-Walsh – 01274 432904)

Resolved –

That the information presented in Document “M” be noted.

LEAD: Strategic Director, Children’s Services

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “M”) presented an update on Family Hubs implementation and outcomes from the Children’s Centre estates consultation.

Officer representatives from Social Services were present at the meeting and invited by the Chair to present their subject matter.

Following a synopsis of the report, the following question and answer session ensued –

·         Was it possible to refer families that were finding it difficult to utilise full access of CAMHS due to a lengthy waiting list to Family Hubs services?

o   There were various services that came before final referral to CAMHS however if young people were struggling due to a lack of full services then the Family Hubs can become involved in a WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) group in order to help individuals;

·         Explanation was sought as to the reasons for the establishment of a Working Group that focused on specific wards, in particular, to look at breaking down the data on the number of incidents of Youth Anti-social Behaviour for Clayton & Fairweather Green?

o   The Working Group was due to hot spot areas in the Clayton & Fairweather Green Ward and respective Members would be updated with data;

·         Was there a specific reason as to why the contents of the report highlighted only two key agencies partnership working within the Toller Ward?

o   Only two programmes were in operation at that specific time and now vital services were being delivered;

·         Could an overview of services with a breakdown of services in each Ward be provided to all Bradford West area Members?

o   A timetable of all events could be provided;

·         How were support services being provided to young parents?

o   There were a number of projects that Family Hubs had partnered with to deliver vital services to young parents; and,

·         Had the Shine Partnership Project commenced in the Bradford West area?

o   The Hub was involved with the programme which began in September 2019. There was a required obligation to engage with 200 families over a 3 year period. If successful then the project would be rolled out on a national level.

During the discussion, the following points were made by the Committee and the representatives. The obstacles before a CAMHS referral were too many. It was unfortunate that the Committee and remaining Members of the Bradford West area were not fully acquainted with the Family Hubs service to the extent of providing individual Councillor support  to help this service thrive at an unprecedented level. The Department for Work and Pensions was also in partnership working with Family Hubs.

The Committee concluded the discussion of this item by stating that a significant amount of effort was required to promote the services of Family Hubs within respective Wards;

Resolved –

That the information presented in Document “M” be noted.

LEAD: Strategic Director, Children’s Services