To monitor the progress and performance of the new youth services structure.

The Committee received a presentation that provided a spotlight on the Council’s Youth Justice and Young People’s Services which included (i) details on what has happened since youth services provision has been commissioned; (ii) progress made to date; (iii) how the challenges have been managed and moving forward how will this improve provision; and (iv) what targets have been set for the provision and how it will be monitored.  The mains points arising from the questioning on the presentation is summarised as follows:

v  Noted that the model of delivery for youth services has changed and the Borough has now commissioned 10 universal centre-based youth centres, 4 specialist’s youth provisions for specific cohorts of young people and 5 Detached youth provisions to support and engage young people on their territory (streets, parks, open & shared public spaces) where participation is voluntary. These  council commissioned youth centres work jointly with Youth Justice service in supporting young people as part of their step-down process to re-engaging in Targeted or Universal services and encouraging user voice through participative activities such as the youth Council.

v  Noted that the newly commissioned services are now beginning to bed in and be able to prove impact. The Council have held the first Youth Providers Forum since the award of the last contracts and all providers are very engaged in the new model moving forward – particularly in sharing good practice and working together to tackle issues.

v  Noted that a bid has been submitted for growth funding and discussions are being held about building collaboration to deliver training to the wider network and how to share this with minimal cost implications.

v  Noted that LBTH has been clear with the providers that they will be checked in terms of quality and the impact that this has had on young people's lives and indeed on Community cohesion.

v  Agreed that it is not just about the commissioning relationship, but it is about the ongoing development of working collaboratively and sharing best practice.

v  Noted that the commissioning approach was undertaken in a way that ensured that all local providers were fully informed about the Council’s approach.

v  Understood that LBTH are speaking to the providers about introducing a shared database as it is felt to be a more convenient means of exchanging data than file transfer as it allows for immediate updates and can be used to assert a common data system.

v  Noted that should a young person have no recourse to public funds, the law does not give them the right to financial or other forms of support from government agencies, except in cases where a young person’s human rights under the Human Rights Act may be violated.

v  Understood that Tower Hamlets Council aims to ensure that where young are entitled to assistance either under the HRA or under other legislation – this will be provided.  They are guaranteed that they will be listened to, and their concerns will be taken seriously.  However, LBTH also  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7