Children Youth and Families Services Development

Children, Youth and Families Services Development

History

In March 2002 the Children’s Youth and Families Officer role was a newly created post at Hillingdon Association of Voluntary Services. HAVS was one of the first Councils for Voluntary Service to have a project dedicated to the development of the children's voluntary sector. Where Hillingdon led the way, others have followed.

Of the many successes of the project over the last 10 years, the following are key:

• 2002 - A new voluntary sector Children's Forum began and ran until 2011 when it developed into a Network
• 2002 and ongoing - Relationships with statutory partners were developed leading to information sharing between both sectors
• 2002 and ongoing - Voluntary sector involvement and representation in children, youth and families strategic partnerships were developed and mainained
• 2003 - Child protection training delivered to voluntary groups for the firt time
• 2007 - as more voluntary organisations had technology available to them, a successful e circulation system was developed, resulting in more information being shared from strategic partners and between voluntary groups
• 2008 - a major academic dissertation showed that, compared to some other surveys, Hillingdon's voluntary sector is well informed and has good procedures in place to safeguard children
• 2009 - Written feedback is given to voluntary groups from every meeting of the Hillingdon Children and Families Trust and the Hillingdon Local Safeguarding Children Board
• 2011 - recognising the difficult financial climate for the voluntary sector the forum ceased to meet, but combining the forum alongside developing the e circulation system further, a Children, Youth and Families Network emerged enabling wider involvement.

The original post holder appointed to run the project is still in post 10 years later and the project continues from strength to strength.

How can the project help your voluntary organisation or community group?

If your voluntary organisation works with children, young people or families you are welcome to be part of the Children, Youth and Families Network.

The Network will ensure you are informed of:

• National and local Hillingdon government changes to policy for children, youth and families services which may affect your organisation or the service users in your organisation
• Funding opportunities
• Training courses and conferences on topics relating to children's services

The Network will give you an opportunity to:

• Hear from other Hillingdon organisations working with children, young people and families
• Share information on your services to other voluntary organisations and therefore benefit service users
• Hear from others in the voluntary sector who represent you on multi agency strategic partnerships
• Be nominated to become a representative of the voluntary sector if you wish
• Shape the development of Hillingdon Services to children, using your expertise of your client group, by taking part in any consultations.
• Become less isolated in your work with children, young people or families by linking with other similar organisations

Click here for more details of the Network.

Safeguarding Children

Voluntary organisations can be supported to develop good practice and policies in child protection and safeguarding. Of the organisations that have used this service, all have reported that it was of value to their organisation. If you would like an informal discussion, copy of any of our four information packs listed below or more practical help in this area, email Fiona Millar - fmillar@havs.org.uk

• Information pack 1 - How to write a safeguarding children policy
• Information pack 2 - How to apply for a CRB check
• Information pack 3 - Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults Who Work with Children and Young People
• Information Pack 4 - Guidance for Safer Recruitment

If your organisation has any other developmental needs, the Children Youth and Families Officer is happy to signpost you to the relevant service to support your needs.

Resources

Using the links below, you will find a number of electronic resources that could help your organisation in a number of areas such as evidence gathering for a funding application. If you can't find what you need, please contact the Children, Youth and Families Officer who will try to locate further information.

• Click here for Childrens Youth and Families Resources page
• Click here for other Useful Organisations that can help you in your developmental needs or may be of interest to you
  Click here Children Youth and Families  Latest News and Updates

For more details or if you want to get involved in any of the above, contact Fiona Millar, Children, Youth and Families Officer on 01895 442929 or fmillar@havs.org.uk