11/12/2015
Attended Fairness Commision on Children's Services.
Heard from Young People's Centre, CCG, Early Years Services, Downsview School Headmaster, and Children North East.
References were made to places for children services closing, prevention work on mental health needing to be focused on early years and family, importance of trustful relationships between provider and families, and need for culture changes in the council which was described as a barrier because it is risk averse, cautious and rulebook compliant.
A common theme was with consultations not being effective and communications which could be better.
There were only four younger people in the audience and this point was raised. The commission will arrange an extra informal meeting to try to get youngsters to attend so their voice can be heard
