Many of you will be aware of and possibly have engaged in Open Forums to support the Change for Children Programme. LCF is heavily involved in and totally committed to this programme.

The development work is organised through a number of Task Groups, each of which have resulted in the development of a number of sub-groups. As a result of this a rich and challenging tapestry of meetings, discussions, workshops and activities are being undertaken by an increasing number of people who work in the provision of services to children. LCF is represented on the Children’s Leeds Executive, on all the Task Groups and a large number of the sub-groups. Staff have also taken an active role in consultation and training events at a central and wedge level and we are very grateful for the large numbers of people from projects we support for their contributions across the board

We have attempted to give a very brief over-view of the main Task Groups below, illustrating the considerable involvement and support which LCF through its staff, partners and projects are contributing at a strategic and operational level to supporting the end we all desire of improving outcomes for children and young people.

In addition to supporting the Task Groups, we have also continued to work to grow capacity and capability across the wedge-based Children Leeds Groups and with colleagues in the Leeds Voice Children and Young People’s Services Forum.

Refocusing and Integrating Front-line Services Group (RIFLS)

LCF has been having a considerable input to this group as much of the work we have developed and many of the projects we support are examples of developing good practice related to joined-up, multi-agency working. The CHIVA project is a prime example of this.

The group is focusing much of its attention on joining-up work across Social Services and Health, specifically around disabled and vulnerable children. It is also looking at the complex issue of workforce reform. This piece of work is being led by Helen Grantham of Leeds City Council. An initial workshop is planned for November 8th.

Since our whole purpose is to further the preventative agenda, it also follows that we have a lot to contribute in terms of universal and early intervention work. Liz Jeffery is leading a very active RIFLS sub-group looking at how we can develop and embed good family support within and across Leeds. We are also actively involved with the Extended Schools sub-group.

This Task Group is currently chaired by Edwina Harrison of Social Services.

Building Partnerships Group

Initially, this group, which is also chaired by Edwina Harrison, has focused its attention on the development of a governance model which will support the eventual move to a Children’s Trust.

Now it is beginning to focus more of its attention on cultural change. This work is being led by Jane Stageman of Leeds City Council. A one day workshop, involving the use of external consultants, is being held on October 6th to scope the issues that will need to be addressed.

Integrating strategy

This group is presently taking forward the work on the Children and Young Peoples plan, this is the plan that will take us up to April 2008 and the development in Leeds of the Children’s Trust arrangements. Many of you will have attended the consultation events around the development of this plan and the next steps in the process are that a draft plan will be developed by mid November which will be put out to consultation in December this year. This group have also put together the Needs analysis and will be working with Dartington-i on a large scale case file audit to increase our understanding and knowledge in Leeds.