Conservative Councillor Jenny Brooks, Portfolio Holder for Education, Children and Young People, has singled out Council’s almost two million pounds spend on children’s social care for the upcoming financial year as one of the most significant elements of its 2016/17 budget.
Cllr. Brooks said “This money is extremely important in helping to ensure the council’s very high standards for the safeguarding of children in York continue to be maintained. We are all aware of the many unfortunate cases around the country which have resulted in the revelation that a number of councils have made serious mistakes regarding the safeguarding of children, particularly in instances of sexual exploitation and abuse. York has a strong and well-managed children’s service which is a credit to its officers, however those of us involved in safeguarding are aware of the increasing demands being placed on councils regarding this provision, and we are clear that the council needs to be doing all that it can to meet these demands.
The really exiting thing is that we will be saving money by developing a new place based model for Prevention and Early Intervention Services which will deliver a more joined up service for children, young people and families.
“When our Conservative-led coalition came into office we said that our number one priority was to support front-line services, and protecting the needs of children are central to our purpose as a modern, front-line focused administration.”