EARLY HELP: PROPOSALS AND ENGAGEMENT PERIOD
Kirklees Council is asking for people’s views on the future of its children, young people and family support services.
Over the last 18 months, the council has been considering ways to improve the support it offers to local people whilst also managing a growing demand for these services.
Cllr Erin Hill, Cabinet Member for Family Support and Child Protection, said “Support for children, young people and families is a council priority and we are totally committed to making sure all of our services remain available to those who need them the most - no matter what age. However, in the future this will have to be done differently and there will be a change to what is delivered in our communities.
“Helping people earlier rather than later is better for everyone. It isn’t just about financial savings - it’s about improving the way we work, supporting local people and the positive difference that can be made when we all work together. It’s very important to note that we will always help children and families who need extra support, for example where there are child protection concerns – this is top of our priority list.”
This includes proposals around the development of four early help hubs.
Everyone is encouraged to have their say and the feedback will provide the council with views from a wide cross-section of the local community, including families, young people, staff and partners.
People can get involved in the discussion until August 7th by:
- Picking up a booklet from council offices and filling in the questionnaire at the back. Then using the freepost envelope provided to return it to the council
- By completing the questionnaire online at www.kirkleestalk.org
- By email earlyhelpconsultation@kirklees.gov.uk
This stage is known as the engagement process. This means that, until August 7th, the council is seeking people’s views on the general approach and principles behind future services. For example, the engagement is asking about the general principle of providing early help to local families. It is also asking about the general principle of basing more services in local communities.
All the views expressed during this engagement process will be collated and examined by the council. They will then be used to develop further ideas which are more specific about possible changes in services. Once these specific ideas have been finalised, there will be another chance for people to have their say. This will be the next stage - the consultation process.
The council is also engaging and consulting with the public on proposals for council owned museums and galleries. People can take part in this engagement process by visiting www.kirkleestalk.org