Children and Young People - New activities, support and funding

An outline of the Project Areas is given below, for a more comprehensive breakout please view the delivery plan. Of the total budget of £1,440,000, a sum of £360,000 is currently agreed to be available for initial projects. Authorities wishing to propose projects for funding within these ares should contact John Lees on j.lees@dorsetcc.gov.uk

1. Enhanced Support for Capacity Building in Authorities - the programme will improve outcomes in relation to annually agreed regional priorities for improvement in children's services. There is a long standing and effective process led by GOSW using the Field Forces, and IDeA also work in this area. The RIEP will coordinate, commission and support sector-led projects, using a 'hub' model or similar through which LAs recognised for good practice disseminate that practice to other LAs looking to improve outcomes.

   Potential authority funding:
   Description: Capacity building projects to achieve performance improvement both with poorly performing authorities and across the board.
   Funding criteria: tba
   Funding schedule (total funding):
   2008/09, £80,000
   2009/10, £110,000 tbc
   2010/11, £110,000 tbc
   2011/12, £20,000 tbc
   

2. Support for Commissioning Processes and Practices - the programme will support the development of good commissioning practice in all authorities and their partners by establishing a baseline of current and proposed processes and activities in the region. Mapping commissioning practice will be linked to delivery of specific improved outcomes to support LAA priority outcomes. There will be a focus on links between commissioning models and the delivery of national policy.

   Potential authority funding:
   Description: Support for the commissioning process and practice will deliver tools and processes (regional programme).
   Funding criteria: tba
   Funding schedule (total funding):
   2008/09, £60,000
   2009/10, £80,000 tbc
   2010/11, £80,000 tbc
   2011/12, £20,000 tbc
   

3. Continuing Development of Finance and Independent Sector Data - National reports have highlighted the difficulty of obtaining and using reliable information to assess performance, to identify benchmark authorities and to inform commissioning decisions. The regional approach will increase the use of data and prevent repeated work by 16 authorities.

   Potential authority funding:
   Description: Data collection and development and provision of information.
   Funding criteria: tba
   Funding schedule (total funding):
   2008/09, £30,000
   2009/10, £35,000 tbc
   2010/11, £35,000 tbc
   2011/12, £10,000 tbc
   

4. Improvement and Efficiency Projects - there are specific areas where outcomes are undefined, unmeasured or unsatisfactory and value for money improvements can be made. A regional approach will provide pump-priming resources, specialist support and sharing of success.

   Potential authority funding:
   Description: Specific improvement and efficiency projects (support for innovative / collaborative projects).
   Funding criteria: tba
   Funding schedule (total funding):
   2008/09, £140,000
   2009/10, £175,000 tbc
   2010/11, £175,000 tbc
   2011/12, £50,000 tbc
   

5. Joint Provision for Youngsters with Severe Behavioural as well as Mental Health Difficulties - desired outcomes for these youngsters consistently fail to be met while they incur the highest costs of care. Youngsters in this group have continuing problems in adult life. The programme will provide regional leadership to engage key agencies as well as pump-priming resources.

   Potential authority funding:
   Description: Joint provision for youngsters who have severe behavioural as well as mental health diffuculties
   Funding criteria: tba
   Funding schedule (total funding):
   2008/09, £50,000
   2009/10, £80,000 tbc
   2010/11, £80,000 tbc
   2011/12, £20,000 tbc
   

Work with Mainstream Schools is not part of this programme and is covered by National Strategies funded directly by DCSF.

Click here to view the latest News Briefing for Children's Services.

Contact John Lees on j.lees@dorsetcc.gov.uk for any further information regarding the Children's Services programme or for the members area password (currently restricted to Local Authority and Health Commissioners).