Agenda item

The Panel considered a report and presentation of Lisa Wood, Operations Manager Supporting Solutions, which provided the Panel with information on activity and developments of the Supporting Solutions Service (SSS) (for copy of report and presentation see file of minutes).  The Operations Manager explained the service, which was launched in February 2018, is a new multi-disciplinary service working with young people aged 11-17 years to prevent them from entering the care of the local authority.

The Chair asked for clarification on the difference between family therapy and family group conferencing.  The Strategic Manager for Looked After and Permanence replied that these are very different methods of intervention with family group conferencing being a more formal meeting process whereas family therapy is a therapeutic response.

Cllr McKeon asked about the next steps for the Supporting Solutions Service which include forging links with the voluntary and community sector and referred to the remoteness of some of the villages within the county.  Cllr McKeon pointed out that these families often have limited funds and a lack of transport which may prevent access to community services.  The Operations Manager replied that this has been considered and co-ordinators link with the voluntary and community sectors within localities in order to provide individual support and remove these barriers.

Cllr Potts commended the work of the service which has assisted 61 young people of whom only 4 had entered the care system.