This report provides a regular update on the work of the Childrens Rights and Engagement team (previously named The Participation Team) and the the voice of children and young people in BCP.
Minutes:
The Insight and Unite members presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.
The report provided an update on the work of the Childrens Rights and Engagement team (previously named The Participation Team) and the voice of children and young people in BCP. The Board was advised of what Unite and Insight had been working on over the last quarter.
The Co-Chair advised that she had been working on a glossary of terms, and it was hoped that this would be included with any paperwork for young people. As well as explanations for abbreviations and specific terms it also included information on different rights for Children in care and Care Experienced Young People.
A draft copy of the glossary was shared. It was suggested that this would also be useful to a wider audience including members of the Board. The glossary was welcomed, and it was suggested that ‘VOC’ – Voice of the child should be added. The Board was asked to advise Jo Fry of any suggested additions to the glossary. It was suggested that terms used by the police and NHS would also be useful to include. It was important to make sure that this piece of work was utilised once completed. However, it was noted that different local authorities use different abbreviations. It was suggested that a glossary be included in CPB agendas. It was further suggested that the children in care and care leavers groups could keep a watching brief on this and review and update as required.
It was hoped that there would also be a section for top tips for working with different groups of young people and a family tree of different departments and people who work in and with BCP.
It was noted that the team were planning a residential experience to develop a plan for key priorities. It was expected that this would take place byt the end of May for older young people. There was also a plan for a residential for the younger age range but this would not be held until September or October. This would pick up a similar theme for joint working. It was currently a very busy time for young people with lots of different pressures.
It was reported that Unite had been exploring approaches around recruitment. The Unite representative advised that they had been involved with training for interviewing new members of staff – which would take place on 20 March. They reported that they had developed an interesting task for interviewees.
They had also been working on a welcome video and a welcome box. The content of the video was being planned but there was already welcome information provided for children coming into care so this had been put on hold to find out what was currently provided.
An Insight member commented that they found the meeting with the virtual school very useful and it was good to know that there was a meeting for year 14 which may be helpful as they had attended a final meeting in college which then didn’t go anywhere. It was positive that there was more support and improved funding around this for care leavers.
The Co-Chair advised that she had attended the Family Justice Council Conference the preceding week.