BLUEPRINT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG … · This blueprint outlines a number of...

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INTRODUCTION

BLUEPRINT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES COMMITTEES

BLUEPRINT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES COMMITTEES

Department of Children and Youth AffairsJune 2015

Copyright © Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, 2015

Department of Children and Youth Affairs43-49 Mespil RoadDublin 4Tel: +353 (0)1 647 3000Fax: +353 (0)1 667 0826E-mail: contact@dcya.gov.ieWeb: www.dcya.ie

Published by Department of Children and Youth Affairs

ISBN: 978-1-4064-2876-6

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs should be acknowledged in all references to this publication.

For rights of translation or reproduction, please contact the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

This document has been prepared by the Task Group on Children and Young People’s Services Committees, convened by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

This document should be cited as:Department of Children and Youth Affairs (2015) Blueprint for the development of

Children and Young People’s Services Committees. Dublin: Department of Children and Youth Affairs. Available at: www.dcya.ie

Contents

1. Introduction 1

1.1 Background 21.2 Policycontext 41.3 Evidencebaseforinteragencyworking 61.4 PrinciplesunderpinningCYPSCs 7

2. Purpose,ObjectivesandRemitofCYPSCs 9

2.1 PurposeofCYPSCs 102.2 ObjectivesofCYPSCs 102.3 Mandate 112.4 Remit 122.5 Geographicalarea 122.6 FunctioningofCYPSCs 12

3. CYPSCGovernanceandStructuresatNationalandLocalLevel 15

3.1 Nationalgovernance 163.2 Localgovernance 19

4. Planning,ReportingandResourcing 25

4.1 ChildrenandYoungPeople’sPlans 264.2 CYPSCAnnualProgrammeofWorkandreportingrequirements 264.3 CYPSCNationalProgressReport 274.4 ReportingtotheConsortium 274.5 Managingandleveragingbudgets 274.6 ResourcingofCYPSCs 27

5. CommunicationsandCapacity-building 29

5.1 IssuingofguidanceforCYPSCs 305.2 Communicationsplan 305.3 Website 315.4 Capacity-buildinganddevelopmentsupportforCYPSCs 315.5 Data,evaluationanddisseminationofbestpractice 31

6. KeyActions2015–2017forthedevelopmentofCYPSCs 33

Appendices

Appendix1:ChildrenandYoungPeople’sPolicyConsortium 38Appendix2:TemplateforTermsofReferenceforaChildrenandYoungPeople’s

ServicesCommittee 39

1. INTRODUCTION

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ChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommittees(CYPSCs)areakeystructureidentifiedbyGovernmenttoplanandco-ordinateservicesforchildrenandyoungpeopleineverycountyinIreland.Theoverallpurposeistoimproveoutcomesforchildrenandyoungpeoplethroughlocalandnationalinteragencyworking.

Atlocallevel,theCYPSCsarecounty-levelcommitteesthatbringtogetherthemainstatutory,communityandvoluntaryprovidersofservicestochildrenandyoungpeople.Theyprovideaforumforjointplanningandco-ordinationofactivityandforoversightoflocalpolicyandprovision,toensurethatchildren,youngpeopleandtheirfamiliesreceiveoptimumservices.Theirroleistoenhanceinteragencyco-operationandtorealisethefivenationaloutcomessetoutinBetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures:TheNationalPolicyFrameworkforChildrenandYoungPeople,2014-2020,namely:tobeactiveandhealthy;tobeachievinginallareasoflearninganddevelopment;tobesafeandprotectedfromharm;toenjoyeconomicsecurityandopportunity;andtobeconnected,respectedandcontributing.

Well-implementedinteragencyworkingcancontributetobringingaboutthoseimprovedoutcomesforchildrenandyoungpeoplethroughsystemicandculturalchangeinservices.Inthisway,CYPSCshavethepotentialtoeffecttransformativechangeimpactingonaspectsofthelivesofchildrenandyoungpeopleasexpressedthroughthefivenationaloutcomes.

CYPSCshave,todate,engagedinmanysuccessfulinteragencyinnovationsandinitiativesatbothstrategicandoperationallevelsthatrespondtotheidentifiedneedswithintheirareasandhavedevelopedsynergiesbetweenmemberorganisationsforeffectiveinteragencyworking.Examplesinclude:

• theimplementationoffamilyliteracyprojectsinearlychildhoodcareandeducationsettings;

• providingthelocalinteragencyfoundationforcommunity-basedyouthmentalhealthsupports;

• thesuccessfulestablishmentofCriticalIncidentProtocolstoenableco-ordinatedresponsestoseriousincidentsaffectingchildrenandyoungpeople;

• thedeliveryofevidence-basedparentingprogrammes.

AcknowledgingthedevelopmentandworkoflocalCYPSCssince2007andinsupportingtheongoingstrategicandoperationaldevelopmentofCYPSCs,aTaskGroupwasestablishedbytheDepartmentofChildrenandYouthAffairs(DCYA)inSeptember2014withaviewtoprioritisingkeyissuestobeaddressedinthestrategicandoperationaldevelopmentofCYPSCs.

1.1 BACKGROUNDThisdocumentprovidesablueprintforthedevelopmentofCYPSCsoperationallyandstrategicallywithinthebroadercontextofBetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures:TheNationalPolicyFrameworkforChildrenandYoungPeople,2014–2020.ItformsthebasisforaworkprogrammeforCYPSCsbasedonpolicyandstrategicdirectionfromtheDCYA,theCYPSCNationalSteeringGroupandtheChildrenandYoungPeople’sPolicyConsortium,withinputfromrelevantsectors.

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INTRODUCTION

ThedocumentwasdevelopedwithaTaskGroupestablishedbytheDCYAinSeptember

2014withaviewtoprioritisingkeyissuestobeaddressedinthestrategicandoperational

developmentofCYPSCs.TheDCYAcirculatedadiscussiondocumentonChildren’sServices

Committees(theformernamefortheCYPSCs),whichformedthebasisfortheworkof

theTaskGroup.TheTermsofReferencefortheTaskGroupweretoidentifykeyissuesand

prioritisethemwithspecificregardtothedevelopmentofCYPSCsinthefollowingareas:• centralpurpose,mandateandremitofCYPSCs;

• governanceofCYPSCsatnationalandlocallevel;

• compositionandroleoflocalcommitteesandoftheCYPSCNationalSteeringGroup;

• roleofCYPSCCo-ordinators;

• organisationoftheCYPSCinitiativeanddevelopmentofanannualprogrammeofwork;

• ResourceAllocationFrameworkfortheCYPSCinitiative;

• reporting;

• communications;

• capacity-buildingandsupportforCYPSCs;

• data,evaluationanddisseminationofbestpractice.

InadditiontotheDCYA’sdiscussiondocument,theworkoftheTaskGroupwasalso

informedbyrecentorganisationalandpolicydevelopments,suchastheestablishmentof

Tusla–ChildandFamilyAgency;significantdevelopmentsinLocalGovernmentreform;

andtheimplementationofBetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures.Animmediateconsequence

ofunifyingchildrenandyoungpeople’spolicydomainsthroughBetterOutcomes,BrighterFuturesandaligningchildren’sserviceswithinthisframeworkistheextensionoftheremit

oftheCYPSCsbeyond18upto24yearsofage,toensurethatCYPSCscovertherespective

policydomainsandbroadrangeofconstituenciesthatworkwithchildrenandyoungpeople,

fromthestatutorytothevoluntarysectors.

ThisdocumentaimstochartsuccinctlyablueprintforthedevelopmentofCYPSCsgoing

forwardoverthenextthreeyears(2015-2017),takingaccountoftheorganisationaland

policydevelopmentsmentionedabove,toensureco-ordinated,comprehensive,evidence-

informedandoutcomes-focusedpolicy,planningandprovisionofservicesforallchildren

andyoungpeopleuptotheageof24.

Thisblueprintseekstobringaspecificfocustomanyofthekeystrategicandstructural

issuesthatneedtobeaddressedinthedevelopmentofCYPSCs.Indevelopingthis

document,itisalsorecognisedthatthereareothermoreoperationalandprocess

considerationsthatneedtobefurtheraddressedtosupporttheeffectiveimplementation

andoperationofCYPSCs.Itisenvisagedthatthesewillbeaddressedanddevelopedinan

implementationguide,whichwillbedevelopedlaterin2015.

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BLUEPRINT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES COMMITTEES

ThisblueprintoutlinesanumberofinitialkeyactionsforthedevelopmentofCYPSCs,whicharelistedinSection6ofthisdocumentwithdetailsofpartnersandtimeframesinvolved.

ThisblueprintforthedevelopmentofCYPSCswillberevisitedin2017toalignwiththemid-termreviewofBetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures:TheNationalPolicyFrameworkforChildrenandYoungPeople,2014-2020.

1.2 POLICY CONTEXTBetterOutcomes,BrighterFuturesistheoverarchingnationalpolicyframeworkforchildrenandyoungpeople,developedandledbytheMinisterforChildrenandYouthAffairsonbehalfoftheGovernment.ThepurposeofBetterOutcomes,BrighterFuturesistoprovideaframeworkthroughwhichtoco-ordinatepolicyandimplementationacrossGovernmentdepartments,agenciesandconstituentsectorstoachievebetteroutcomesforchildrenandyoungpeople.ChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommittees(CYPSCs)formanintegralpartofthenewstructuresprovidedforinBetterOutcomes,BrighterFuturesandwillbeaccountabletotheCYPSCNationalSteeringGroupandtheDCYA,andinturntotheChildrenandYoungPeople’sPolicyConsortium.

BetterOutcomes,BrighterFuturessetsoutfivenationaloutcomesandsixtransformationalgoalsforchildrenandyoungpeople(seeFigure1).ThesearetheoverarchingandunifyingoutcomesandgoalsstructuringpolicyforchildrenandyoungpeopleacrossGovernment,agenciesandsectorswhichhavearoleandremitforworkingwithchildrenandyoungpeople.Thefivenationaloutcomesspanthekeypolicydomainsthatimpactonthelivesofchildrenandyoungpeople,whilethesixtransformationalgoalsareidentifiedastheenablersrequiredtorealisetheseoutcomes.TheworkoftheCYPSCswillbeframedaccordingtotheseoutcomesandtransformationalgoals.

InlinewiththeagerangeofBetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures,theagerangeofChildren’sServicesCommitteeshasnowbeenextendedbeyond18years,upto24yearsofage,andtoreflectthisthename‘Children’sServicesCommittees’hasbeenchangedtoChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommittees(CYPSCs).Whilethismayposeinitialchallengesintermsofanextendedremit,suchafocuswillensuregreaterco-ordinationandcoherencebetweenpolicyandprovisionforchildrenandyoungpeople,andbolstersupportsandopportunitiesintheirdevelopmentandkeytransitionsintoadultlife.Thisextendedremitwillstrengthenandlengthenthecontinuumofserviceprovisionforchildrenandyoungpeople,therebypromotingmorestructuredservicesandsupportsthatalignwiththeirdevelopmentalneedsandaspirations.

BetterOutcomes,BrighterFuturesispredicatedoncross-departmentalandinteragencycollaboration,bothnationallyandlocally.ItunderscoresthenecessityofinteragencyworkingandtasksCYPSCswithakeyroleinthisregard.ThroughthelocalCYPSCsandtheCYPSCNationalSteeringGroup,theCYPSCinitiativeisregardedasacrucialinfrastructurethroughwhichtoenhanceworkingacrossagenciesandsectors,andakeystructureintheimplementationofBetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures.

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INTRODUCTION

Inthiscontext,theDCYAwillcontinuetodeveloptheroleofCYPSCsandtoexpandtheestablishmentoflocalCYPSCs,fromthecurrent22committeestofullnationalcoverageforeverycounty(andinsomeinstances,cityareas)inIreland.TherangeofcommitmentsoutlinedinBetterOutcomes,BrighterFuturesrelatingtoCYPSCswillunderpinandstructurethedirectionoftheCYPSCworkprogrammeinthefuture,alongwithotheridentifiedprioritiesandemergingtasks.

Figure1:Fivenationaloutcomesforchildrenandyoungpeopleinrelationtothesixtransformationalgoals

STRENGTHENS THE SUPPORT SYSTEM AROUND THE CHILD AND YOUNG PERSON

ACTIVE &HEALTHY

BETTER OUTCOMES

BRIGHTER FUTURES

TRANSFORMATIONAL GOALS

CROSS-CUTTING

ACHIEVING IN ALL AREAS OF

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT

SAFE & PROTECTED FROM HARM

ECONOMICSECURITY &

OPPORTUNITY

CONNECTED,RESPECTED &

CONTRIBUTING

SUPPORT PARENTS

EARLIER INTERVENTION& PREVENTION

ENSURE QUALITY SERVICES

STRENGTHEN TRANSITIONS

CROSS-GOVERNMENT ANDINTERAGENCY COLLABORATION& COORDINATION

LISTEN TO ANDINVOLVE CHILDREN& YOUNG PEOPLE

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BLUEPRINT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES COMMITTEES

1.3 EVIDENCE BASE FOR INTERAGENCY WORKINGEffectiveinteragencyworkingisimportantacrosstherangeoflevelsofserviceprovision,fromtargetedtouniversal.Theimportanceofinteragencyworkingandinformationsharingtoensurethewelfareandwell-beingofchildrenandyoungpeoplehasbeenhighlightednationallyandinternationallyinrecentyears.

Fourlevelsofinteragencyworkinghavebeenidentified(Frost,2005)1,asfollows:

1. Co-operation:Servicesworktogethertowardconsistentgoalsandcomplementaryservices,whilemaintainingtheirindependence.

2. Collaboration:Servicesplantogetherandaddressissuesofoverlap,duplicationandgapsinserviceprovisiontowardscommonoutcomes.

3. Co-ordination:Servicesworktogetherinaplannedandsystematicmannertowardssharedandagreedgoals.

4. Integration:Differentservicesbecomeoneorganisationinordertoenhanceservicedelivery.

Whenimplementedwell,interagencyworkingcanachievechangesinthewayagenciesworkatfourdifferentlevels(Statham,2011):2

Level1:Changestoinputs/processes,suchastheintroductionofnewtoolsandmanagementstructures.

Level2:Changestoroutines,experiencesandpracticesofpractitionersandservicemanagers.

Level3:Changestooutcomesforchildren,youngpeopleandfamilies.Level4:Institutional/systematicembeddingofthechangesacrossorganisations.

Areviewofinternationalevidenceoninteragencyworking,toinformthedevelopmentofChildren’sServicesCommittees(Statham,2011)statesthat:

‘Effectiveinteragencyworking…actstocreatethe“permittingcircumstances”forbetterfunctioningoffront-lineservicesandfront-linestaff[and]isavitallyimportantpartofimprovingoutcomesforchildren,youngpeopleandtheirfamilies,bymeansofitspotentialtoimproveallthefront-lineservicesthatsupportthem.’

However,itisalsoacknowledgedthattherearechallengestointeragencyworking,suchascommitmentobstacles,organisationalchallengesandcontextualbarriersorpoliticalclimate.Evidenceabouttheimpactofinteragencyworkingalsopointstopositivechanges,whichhavebeenidentifiedforserviceusers,forprofessionalsworkinginservicesandforagenciesdeliveringservices.

1 Frost,N.(2005)Professionalism,partnershipandjoined-upthinking:Aresearchreviewoffront-lineworkingwithchildrenandfamilies.Dartington:ResearchinPractice.

2 Statham,J.(2011)Areviewofinternationalevidenceoninteragencyworking,toinformthedevelopmentofChildren’sServicesCommitteesinIreland,DepartmentofChildrenandYouthAffairs.Dublin:GovernmentPublications.Availableat:http://www.dcya.gov.ie/documents/publications/wtfchildren.pdf

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INTRODUCTION

ThedevelopmentofIreland’sChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommitteeshasbeeninformedbyandreflectsevidencefromsimilarinteragencystructuresinotherjurisdictions,suchasRegionalImplementationGroupsinNewSouthWalesinAustralia;Children’sTrustsinEngland;theChildrenandYoungPeople’sStrategicPartnershipinNorthernIreland;andGettingitRightforEveryChildinScotland.

1.4 PRINCIPLES UNDERPINNING CYPSCsThefiveprinciplesunderpinningBetterOutcomes,BrighterFuturesalsounderpintheworkofCYPSCs.Theseare:

• Children’srights:TherightsofchildrenasoutlinedbytheUNConventionontheRightsoftheChild(UNCRC)arerecognisedandchild-centred-approachesareadopted.

• Family-orientated:Thefamilyisrecognisedasthefundamentalgroupofsocietyandthenaturalenvironmentforthegrowthandwell-beingofchildrenandyoungpeople.

• Equality:Thediversityofchildrenandyoungpeople’sexperiences,abilities,identitiesandculturesisacknowledged,andreducinginequalitiesispromotedasameansofimprovingoutcomesandachievinggreatersocialinclusion.

• Evidence-informedandoutcomes-focused:Tobeeffective,policiesandservicesmustbesupportedbyevidenceandfocusedontheachievementofagreedoutcomes.

• Accountabilityandresourceefficiency:Clearimplementation,monitoringandaccountabilitymechanismsandlinesofresponsibilityfordeliveryareinplacetodrivetimelyandeffectivepolicyimplementation.

2. PURPOSE, OBJECTIVES AND REMIT OF CYPSCs

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2.1 PURPOSE OF CYPSCsThecentralpurposeofaChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommitteeistoensureeffectiveinteragencyco-ordinationandcollaborationtoachievethebestoutcomesforallchildrenandyoungpeopleinitsarea.Thisisachievedthroughenhancedplanning,co-ordinationandoversightofpolicyimplementation,planningandserviceprovisionlocally.ChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommittees(CYPSCs)willactasthestructurewherebyservicescanworktogetherinasystematicmannertoachievesharedgoalsandwhichbridgenationalpolicywithlocalprovision.

Awell-functioningCYPSCwillharnessthecollectivestrengthsofitsmemberagenciestoensureaplanned,co-ordinatedandconcertedresponsetotheneedsofchildrenandyoungpeopleatlocallevel.ItisnotthepurposeofaCYPSCtodisplaceexistingstructuresofaccountabilitywhichapplytomemberagencies.However,atalocallevelmemberswillhavetheopportunitytotestlocalimplementationandtocomplementnationalplanningbyidentifyingopportunitiesforcollaboration,obviatingduplicationofeffortandensuringthatservicesarebothflexibletolocallyidentifiedneedsandinformedbyidentifiednationalpriorities.

EachCYPSChasanexplicitroletoplayincontributingtotheachievementofthevision,aspirations,prioritiesanddesiredoutcomesexpressedinBetterOutcomes,BrighterFuturessothatthesebecomearealityforchildrenandyoungpeopleatlocallevel,wherefront-lineservicesaredelivered.EachCYPSCwillfocusonidentifyinggapsandsupportingsynergiesinservicedelivery,leadingtothedevelopmentofacommonlyagreedplanforchildrenandyoungpeopleinitslocalarea.Inaddition,serviceplansbymemberagenciesshouldalsohavedueregardtobothGovernmentpolicyandlocalprioritiesasidentifiedbytheCYPSC.EachCYPSCshouldalsoactivelypromotethedevelopmentofqualitypracticesandthedeliveryofqualityserviceswithinitsarea.

2.2 OBJECTIVES OF CYPSCsCYPSCsbringtogetherrelevantstatutory,communityandvoluntaryorganisationsprovidingservicestochildrenandyoungpeopletomaximisethereach,coverageandimpactofsuchservicesthrough:

Ensuring that the needs of children and young people are identified and addressed• Identifyandaddresslocalandnationalemergingissuesrelatingtochildrenand

youngpeople.

Planning and co-ordination of services• Planandco-ordinateservicesforchildrenandyoungpeopleinordertoimprove

outcomes.

• Overseetheeffectiveimplementationofnationalandregionalpolicies,strategiesandpriorities.

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PURPOSE, OBJECTIVES AND REMIT OF CYPSCS

Ensuring effective collaboration and interagency working• Ensureeffectivecollaborationbetweenservicesworkingwithandforchildrenand

youngpeoplewithintheCYPSCarea.

• Strengthencollaborativedecision-makingcapacityatlocallevel,recognisingandrespondingtothevoiceofchildrenandyoungpeople.

• Supporttheimplementationofrelevantandinnovativeinteragencyinitiativesofmemberagencies.

Promoting quality, evidence-informed planning and practice• Promotetheuseofquality,evidence-informedandoutcomes-focusedapproaches

toenhanceserviceprovisionforchildrenandyoungpeople.

Optimising the use of resources• InformtheplanningandprovisionofresourcesacrosstheareacoveredbytheCYPSC

withaviewtoenablingtheoptimumuseofresourcesatlocallevelandensurecomplementaritybetweenCYPSCsandagencies’serviceplansinrespectoftheirpriorities.

• Informtheallocationofresourcesandworktowardsbecomingavehicleforfacilitatingjointcommissioningofservicesforchildren,youngpeopleandfamilies.

• Informnationalpolicyanddecision-makingwithregardtoresourceallocationforservicesforchildrenandyoungpeople.

Promoting best participation practice• Supportnationalinitiativesthatpromotetheparticipationofchildrenandyoung

peopleindecision-making.

• Co-ordinateinteragencytraininginparticipationpracticelocally.

2.3 MANDATEThemandateforCYPSCshasderivedfromGovernmentpolicyovertimeandisrenewedinthecontextofBetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures:TheNationalPolicyFrameworkforChildrenandYoungPeople,2014-2020andtherangeofpolicies,strategiesandinnovationsasexpressedintheoverarchingframework.Tofurtherenhanceinteragencycollaboration,MemorandumsofUnderstandingbetweentheDCYAandkeyagencies(includingTusla–ChildandFamilyAgency,theLocalGovernmentManagementAgency,theHealthServiceExecutiveandstakeholdersintheEducationsector)willbeexploredtofurthersupportCYPSCsandgivefulleffecttointeragencyco-operation.

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BLUEPRINT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES COMMITTEES

2.4 REMITChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommitteesarethekeyvehicleforinteragencyworkingforchildrenandyoungpeopleatlocallevelandshouldhaveregardtotherangeofservicesandsupportsthatareinplacefor0-24year-olds,reflectingthedifferentdevelopmentalphasesandassociatedneedsandchallengesofeachstageofchildhood,youthandextendingintoearlyadulthood.ExistingCYPSCswillneedtoadapttheirworkinlightofthisextendedageremittotakeaccountofspecifictransitionalissuesrelatingtothe18-24agegroup.

TheworkofCYPSCsshouldadheretotheconceptofprogressiveuniversalism3andspanpolicyareasandserviceprovision,fromtheuniversaltotargetedservicesandsupportsforchildrenandyoungpeople.CYPSCswillaccommodatethebroadrangeofpolicyareas,servicesandprofessionaldisciplinesrelevanttochildrenandyoungpeopleavailableinthestatutory,communityandvoluntarysectors.

2.5 GEOGRAPHICAL AREAThegeographicalareaforalocalCYPSCwillbeco-terminuswithLocalAuthorityboundaries.Insomecircumstances,itwillbeappropriatetocombinetwocountiesorLocalAuthoritiesunderoneCYPSC.Inothercircumstances,itmaybeappropriatetodividetheLocalAuthorityareaintomorethanoneCYPSC,asinthecaseofDublinCityCouncil,andthismaybeconsideredinconsultationwiththeNationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSC,theLocalAuthorityinquestionandotherrelevantagencies.Inmeetingtheirobjectives,CYPSCswillbecognisantthatchildrenandyoungpeoplemayengagewithservicesacrossCYPSCboundaries.

2.6 FUNCTIONING OF CYPSCsCYPSCsensuretheconnectionofnationalpolicywithlocalimplementationintheirareasthroughplanningandco-ordinatingtheprovisionofservicesforchildrenandyoungpeopleandbyinformingthedeploymentofresources,takingintoaccountlocallyidentifiedneedsandthoseidentifiedatnationallevel,whichcanbeadvancedthroughastandardisedapproachacrossallCYPSCs(seeFigure2).

Eachlocalcommitteedevelopsandoverseestheimplementationofa3-yearChildrenandYoungPeople’sPlan(CYPP),whichisdesignedtoimproveoutcomesforchildrenandyoungpeopleinthearea.ThisCYPPoutlinesacommittee’sprioritiesandincludes:

3 Progressiveuniversalismreferstotheconceptthat‘allchildrenwouldbesupported,butthosewithparticularneedswouldbesupportedmorethanothers’.NESC(2005)TheDevelopmentalWelfareState,ReportNo.113.Dublin:NationalEconomicandSocialCouncil.

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PURPOSE, OBJECTIVES AND REMIT OF CYPSCS

OBJECTIVES

Childrenand young

people

ROLE

OUTCOMES

Ensure effective collaboration

and interagency working

Identify and address need

Structuredinteragency meetings

& outcomes-basedsub-groups

Socio-demographicprofile

Plan and co-ordinate

servicesAudit

of services

Needs analysis

Three-year children& young people’s plan

Evidence-informedactions

Economic security& opportunity

Connected, respected

and contributing

Safe & protected

from harm

Achieving in all areas of learning

& development

Participationpractice

e.g. consultations& training

Sharingbest practice

Progressreports

Promote quality, evidence-informed

actions and outcomes-focusedplanning & practice

Promote best practice in participation of children and

young people in decision-making

Active & healthy

Optimise the use of resources

• asocio-demographicprofileofthearea;

• anauditofservicesforchildrenandyoungpeopleinthearea;

• ananalysisoftheneedsofchildrenandyoungpeoplelivinginthearea;

• adetailedactionplanmappingthecommittee’splannedactionstorespondtoitspriorities.

TheCYPPisdirectlyinformedbyaCYPSC’smemberagenciesandrelatedstructures,whilealsohavingspecificregardforthevoiceofchildrenandyoungpeople.Inaddition,theCYPPwillbelinkedtoallmemberagencies’serviceplans,aswellastoallotherlocalandregionalplans(suchastheLocalEconomicandCommunityPlanforthecounty).Eachcommitteeprovidesthelocalmechanismthroughwhichstatutory,communityandvoluntaryserviceprovidersforchildren,youngpeopleandfamilieswillworktogethertoleverageandmakethemosteffectiveuseofexistinglocalresourcestodeliverontheobjectivesandactionsofitsplan.

Figure2:Summaryofobjectives,roleandoutcomesofCYPSCs

3. CYPSC GOVERNANCE AND STRUCTURES AT NATIONAL

AND LOCAL LEVEL

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3.1 NATIONAL GOVERNANCETheDepartmentofChildrenandYouthAffairs(DCYA)willprovidestrategicandpolicydirectiontothedevelopmentofCYPSCs.AstheCYPSCsformanintegralpartofthenewstructuresprovidedforinBetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures,theywillbeaccountabletotheCYPSCNationalSteeringGroupandtheDCYA,andinturntotheChildrenandYoungPeople’sPolicyConsortium(seeAppendix1forinformationonthelatter).Figure3showsthenationalgovernanceandreportingrelationshipsofCYPSCs,witheachstructuredescribedinfurtherdetailbelow.

Figure3:NationalgovernanceandreportingrelationshipsofCYPSCs

3.1.1 CYPSC National Steering GroupThemainfunctionsoftheCYPSCNationalSteeringGroupare(1)tosupportandguidelocalcommitteestoachievebetteroutcomesforchildrenandyoungpeople,and(2)topromotebestpracticeandsupportlocalcommitteestorealisetheirpotential.TheCYPSCNationalSteeringGroupwillprovideguidanceandadviceonstrategic,policyandoperationalissuesrelevanttoCYPSCs.Itwilladdressissuesandobstaclesthatneedresolutionatnationallevelascommunicatedtoitthroughthereportingmechanismssetoutinthisdocument.TheChairoftheCYPSCNationalSteeringGroupisamemberoftheChildrenandYoungPeople’sPolicyConsortiumandwillutilisethatforumtopromotetheworkofCYPSCsandhighlightanypertinentissuesthatrequireconsiderationatanationallevel.

CABINET COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL POLICY

DECLG

GOVERNMENTCYPSC:Governance & Reporting Relationships withinthe structures of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures

INTER-DEPARTMENTAL GROUP

NATI

ONAL

LOCA

L

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES COMMITTEES (CYPSCs)

DCYA Department of Children and Youth AffairsDoH Department of HealthDES Department of Education and SkillsDECLG Department of the Environment, Community and Local GovernmentDSP Department of Social ProtectionLECP Local Economic and Community PlanCYPP Children and Young People’s Plan

Inform and updateon delivery on keypriorities

MOUs to beexplored betweenDCYA and DECLG,Tusla and HSE

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S POLICY CONSORTIUMSPONSORS GROUP: DCYA, DoH, DES, DECLG, DSP

DCYA

CYPSC NATIONALSTEERING

GROUP

CYPSCNATIONAL

CO-ORDINATOR

STRATEGIC POLICYCOMMITTEE FOR

ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT

AND ENTERPRISE

LOCAL COMMUNITYDEVELOPMENTCOMMITTEES

(LCDC)

LECP

CYPP

Children & YouthPriorities

ADVISORY COUNCIL

EU STRUCTUREDDIALOGUE

WORKING GROUP

COMHAIRLEna nÓG

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CYPSC GOVERNANCE AND STRUCTURES AT NATIONAL AND LOCAL LEVEL

ThefunctionsoftheCYPSCNationalSteeringGroupincludeto:

• provideleadershipanddirectionforCYPSCsatnationalandlocallevel;

• operationalise,supportandidentifyrequisitesupportsforthedevelopmentofCYPSCs;

• haveoversightofCYPSCplanning,implementationandreporting;

• provideguidanceonsignificantoperationalissuesacrossallCYPSCs;

• synthesisetheintelligencefromlocalCYPSCsinrelationtoachievements,challenges,needsandobstacles,aswellastoemergingtrends,issuesorthemesrequiringanationalresponse;

• referobstaclestoappropriateGovernmentdepartmentswithrecommendationsforresolutionifthesecannotberesolvedbytheNationalSteeringGroup;

• reportontheworkofCYPSCstotheChildrenandYoungPeople’sPolicyConsortium;

• provideanationalforumforlearningfromacrossCYPSCareasviaanannualnationalCYPSCevent;

• provideadviceandinformationonpolicyissuesandstrategiesrelevanttoCYPSCs;

• promotetheworkofCYPSCsandbestpracticeintheirrespectivesectors.

TheCYPSCNationalSteeringGrouphasbeenreconstitutedtoensureeffectivenessintermsofoperationalsize,representationofinteragencystakeholdersandalignmentwiththeimplementationinfrastructureforBetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures.ThecompositionofthereconstitutedSteeringGroupincludes:

• NationalChairperson;

• NationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSC;

• Tusla–ChildandFamilyAgency;

• LocalAuthorityrepresentative;

• HealthServiceExecutiverepresentative;

• DepartmentofEducationandSkills;

• DepartmentoftheEnvironment,CommunityandLocalGovernment;

• DepartmentofChildrenandYouthAffairs;

• EducationandTrainingBoardsIreland;

• CommunityandvoluntarysectorrepresentativeswithexperienceofCYPSCs;

• Youngpersonaged18-24years;

• CYPSCChairperson(local);

• CYPSCVice-Chairperson(local);

• CYPSCCo-ordinator(local);

• 1-2nomineesco-optedbyNationalChairpersoninconsultationwithDCYAandhavingregardtolocalCYPSCs.

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BLUEPRINT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES COMMITTEES

3.1.2 National Co-ordinator for CYPSCTheroleoftheNationalCo-ordinatorforChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommittees

isoutlinedbelow.UnderthestrategicdirectionoftheDCYA,theNationalCo-ordinatorwill:

• provideleadershipforCYPSCsatnationallevelandleadtheimplementationofthe

strategicplanforCYPSCs;

• ensurethereiscoherenceacrosstheCYPSCstructureandthatacommonapproach

isadoptedacrosslocalCYPSCsandthattheyareembeddedintothewidersystem;

• ensurethattheCYPSCsmaintainanoutcomes-focusedapproachandoperatetothe

higheststandard,informedbycurrentandemergingevidence;

• buildunderstandingofandcommitmenttoCYPSCsatlocalandnationallevel;

• provideandco-ordinatesupportforCYPSCs(e.g.researchanddata,

communications,facilitationandimplementation),includingsupporttoindividual

CYPSCsatstart-upstageandasrequiredthereafter;

• haveoversightofprogressandimpactofCYPSCs,co-ordinatingcollectivereporting

totheCYPSCNationalSteeringGroupandtheDCYA,ensuringaccountabilityanda

focusonlearning;

• harnesstheknowledgeandexpertiseofCYPSCstoinformnationalpolicyand

strategy.

3.1.3 Participation of children and young peopleBoththeCYPSCNationalSteeringGroupandlocalCYPSCswillworktoensuremeaningful

participationbychildrenandyoungpeopletoinformtheworkofCYPSCs.CYPSCs

mayutilisetheexistingchildren’sandyoungpeople’sparticipationandconsultation

mechanisms(e.g.ComhairlenanÓgandtheEUStructuredDialogueprocess)and

shouldalsohaveregardtotheDCYA’sNationalStrategyonChildrenandYoungPeople’sParticipationinDecision-making(2015).CYPSCswillalsoconsiderhowtheyconsultwith

andensureparticipationofchildrenandyoungpeoplewhoareoutsideoftheestablished

structures(‘hard-to-reach’groups).

InsupportingCYPSCsandasreflectedinitsNationalStrategyonChildrenandYoungPeople’sParticipationinDecision-making,theDCYAwilldevelopguidelinesonabroader

strategyofparticipationbychildrenandyoungpeopleintheworkofCYPSCs,inco-operation

withrepresentativesfromlocalcommittees.

19

CYPSC GOVERNANCE AND STRUCTURES AT NATIONAL AND LOCAL LEVEL

3.2 LOCAL GOVERNANCE

3.2.1 CYPSC ChairpersonEachCYPSCwillbechairedbyTusla–ChildandFamilyAgency,witharepresentativefromtheLocalAuthority(City/CountyCouncil)holdingtheroleofVice-Chairperson.Thisconfigurationwillbesubjecttoreview.TheCYPSCChairpersonwillprovidestrategicleadershipanddirectionfortheCYPSCandensureitsprioritiesareaddressedandthatobjectivesareactionedandachieved.

ThekeyresponsibilitiesoftheCYPSCChairpersonareto:• provideleadershipanddirectionforthelocalcommittee;

• ensuretheeffectivenessofthecommitteeinallaspectsofitsrole,includingdeliveryofitsChildrenandYoungPeople’sPlan;

• ensureactiveparticipationandcontributionsfromallmembersacrossallsectors;

• ensureappropriateinteractionbetweenthecommitteeandexternalstakeholders.

3.2.2 CYPSC Vice-ChairpersonTheVice-ChairpersonofeachCYPSCwillbearepresentativefromtheLocalAuthority(City/CountyCouncil).TheresponsibilitiesoftheVice-Chairpersonareto:

• supporttheCYPSCChairpersonintheperformanceofhisorherduties;

• inthecaseofunavailabilityoftheChairpersonatanycommitteemeeting,totaketheroleofChairpersonforthatmeeting;

• ensureanappropriatebalancebetweenthevoiceoftheChairperson’sorganisationandthatofothermemberorganisations.

3.2.3 CYPSC Co-ordinatorEachCYPSCCo-ordinatorwillsupporttheCYPSCinitsworktobringtogetheradiversegroupofagenciesinitslocalcountyareatoengageinjointplanningandco-ordinationofservicesforchildrenandyoungpeople.TheCo-ordinatorroleisessentialtorealisingthepotentialofaCYPSC.ThekeyresponsibilitiesoftheCYPSCCo-ordinatorareto:

• supporttheestablishmentanddevelopmentoftheCYPSCanditssub-groups;

• communicateaclearsenseofpurposeanddirectiononbehalfoftheCYPSC;

• co-ordinatethedevelopmentandimplementationoftheCYPSC’s3-yearChildrenandYoungPeople’sPlan;

• assisttheoverallcommitteeandsub-groupstoimplementthe3-yearworkplanandmonitorprogressinlinewiththefivenationaloutcomesforchildrenandyoungpeopleassetoutinBetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures.

20

BLUEPRINT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES COMMITTEES

ItisenvisagedthatCYPSCCo-ordinatorswillbeemployedunderastandardisedsetofarrangements(seeSection4.7belowon‘Resourcing’).TheoverallworkofaCYPSCCo-ordinatorwillbedefinedbythelocalCYPSCthroughtheChildrenandYoungPeople’sPlan.CYPSCCo-ordinatorswillreporttotheCYPSCChairpersonwithregardtomanagementoftheirday-to-dayworkandgeneralmattersoftheiremployment.LocalCo-ordinatorswillliaisewiththeNationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSCandfollowtheoverallpolicydirectionsetbytheDCYAandtheCYPSCNationalSteeringGroup.

3.2.4 CYPSC MembershipEachCYPSCwillhaveamembershipofseniormanagers,directorsandchiefexecutiveofficersfromthemainstatutoryprovidersofservicestochildren,youngpeopleandfamiliesintheareasothatitcanaddressissuesinrelationtolocalandnationallyidentifiedprioritiesandthefivenationaloutcomeareasforchildrenandyoungpeople.Memberswillbeofsufficientsenioritytorepresenttheiragencyandtoexercisedecision-makingpowers,andshouldbeexpresslysupportedbytheirparentorganisationtocommunicateCYPSCworkacrosstheirorganisationinordertoensuremeaningfulrepresentationandengagement.Membershipshouldincluderepresentativesfromthefollowingsectorsandorganisations:

• Tusla–ChildandFamilyAgency;

• LocalAuthority(City/CountyCouncil);

• HealthServiceExecutive(HSE);

• EducationandTrainingBoard(ETB);

• AnGardaSíochána;

• Representativesfromcommunityandvoluntarysectorprovidersforchildrenandyoungpeople;

• IrishPrimaryPrincipals’Network(IPPN)(primaryschoolsector);

• NationalAssociationofPrincipalsandDeputies(NAPD)(post-primaryschoolsector);

• City/CountyChildcareCommittee(CCC);

• ProbationService;

• DepartmentofSocialProtection(DSP);

• Ayoungpersonaged18-24;

• Third-levelinstitutionlocatedinorclosetotheCYPSCarea;

• NationalEducationalPsychologicalService;

• Socialinclusionpartners(e.g.LocalDevelopmentCompany).

Figure4showsthecompositionofatypicalChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommittee.

21

CYPSC GOVERNANCE AND STRUCTURES AT NATIONAL AND LOCAL LEVEL

Figure4:MembershipofaChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommittee

Insituationswhereanyoftheaboveorotherrelevantorganisations/structuresarenotrepresented,liaisonarrangementsshouldbeputinplacebetweentheCYPSCandthatorganisation/structure.Thiswillensurethatthereareopportunitiestosourcerequisiteexpertiseorinformationordatainatimelymanner.TheCYPSCSub-Groupinfrastructure(seeSection3.2.6)willalsobeaforuminwhichtoprogresskeythematicactions.

Voluntaryorcommunityorganisationsthatarelargeprovidersofservicestochildren,youngpeopleandfamiliesintheCYPSCareashouldbeinvitedbytheCYPSCChairpersontobecomemembersoftheCYPSC.Theinclusionofthecommunityandvoluntarysectoriscrucial,particularlyforservicesthatarecommissionedoroutsourcedtothissector.Communityandvoluntaryorganisationscansometimesbethesoleprovidersofcertainservices,accessingandout-reachingtoparticularareasandgroups.

ConsiderationofmembershipoftheCYPSCshouldbedeterminedbythecontributionorinfluenceanagency/organisationcanhaveontheplanning,funding,prioritisationoralignmentofserviceswithinthearea,whilealsoconsideringtheneedfortheCYPSCtoberepresentativeandtofunctioneffectively.

3.2.5 Terms of ReferenceToarriveatenhanced,standardisedoperatingprocedures,eachlocalCYPSCwilldevelopaTermsofReferencedocument,informedbythetemplateincludedinAppendix2.

TUSLA Child and Family Agency

(Chair)

HEALTH SERVICE EXECUTIVE EDUCATION AND TRAININGBOARD (ETB)

NATIONAL EDUCATIONALPSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICE

(NEPS)

SOCIAL INCLUSION PARTNERSe.g. LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

COMPANY

AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA

COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS

IRISH PRIMARY PRINCIPALS’NETWORK (IPPN)

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OFPRINCIPALS AND DEPUTY

PRINCIPALS (NAPD)

CITY/COUNTYCHILDCARE COMMITTEE

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIALPROTECTION (DSP)

PROBATION SERVICE YOUNG PERSON THIRD-LEVEL INSTITUTION

LOCAL AUTHORITY(Vice-Chair)

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BLUEPRINT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES COMMITTEES

3.2.6 CYPSC Sub-groupsEachCYPSCshouldhaveinplaceanumberofstructuredsub-groups,alignedtothe‘nationaloutcome’and‘transformationalgoal’areasinBetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures(seeFigure5).Thiswillensurethatsub-structuresareestablishedandalliedtothebroadrangeofneedsofchildrenandyoungpeople.TheseCYPSCsub-groupscanaccommodateexistingornewinitiatives(e.g.thePrevention,PartnershipandFamilySupportgroupsbeingestablishedbyTuslacanactasthestandingsub-groupunderOutcome3).Manyofthecross-cuttingissuesreferencedas‘transformationalgoals’(e.g.SupportingParents;Participation;EnsuringQualityServices)canbecateredforinthesixthsub-group(‘TransformationalGoalsandEmergingIssues’,seeFigure5).Allsub-groupsshouldberesponsivetolocalneedsandtrends,andtheworkoftherespectivesub-groupsshouldreflectbothnationalandlocalpriorities.

Figure5:LocalCYPSCstructure

Allsub-groupswillhaveregardtotheviewsofchildrenandyoungpeople,asdescribedinSection3.1.3aboveonparticipation.TheChairpersonofeachsub-groupwillprovideaprogressupdateateachCYPSCmeeting,withthissub-groupupdatebeingastandingagendaitemateachCYPSCmeeting.TheChairpersonofeachsub-groupwill,inturn,relayinformationfromtheCYPSCmeetingtotheirrespectivesub-group.

3.2.7 Local Community Development CommitteesThedevelopmentofCYPSCswillhavespecificregardtothesignificantchangesinlocalgovernment.Locally,eachCYPSCwillagreekeyprioritieswiththeLocalCommunityDevelopmentCommittee(LCDC)astheyrelatetotheworkoftheCYPSCanditsmemberagenciesforinclusionintheLocalEconomicandCommunityPlan(LECP)oftheLocalAuthority(City/CountyCouncil).Thesekeyprioritieswillcontributetotheoverarching‘SustainableCommunityObjectives’and‘SustainableEconomicDevelopmentObjectives’intheLECP.ThisengagementwillbeinformedinthefirstinstancebyaninteragencyprotocolissuedbytheDepartmentoftheEnvironment,CommunityandLocalGovernment(DECLG).TheDepartmentofChildrenandYouthAffairswillworkwiththeDECLGtodevelopaguidancedocumentpertainingspecificallytotherelationshipbetweenCYPSCsandLCDCs.

SUB-GROUP

Outcome 1:Active and healthy, physical and mental

well-being

SUB-GROUP

Outcome 2:Achieving full potential

in learning anddevelopment

SUB-GROUP

Outcome 3:Safe and protected

from harm

SUB-GROUP

Outcome 4:Economic securityand opportunity

SUB-GROUP

Outcome 5:Connected, respected

and contributingto their world

SUB-GROUP

TransformationalGoals and

Emerging issues

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES COMMITTEE

23

CYPSC GOVERNANCE AND STRUCTURES AT NATIONAL AND LOCAL LEVEL

Thiswillinvolveatwo-wayrelationshipwhereinlocalCYPSCsandLCDCs(orStrategicPolicyCommittees/SPCs)willinformeachotheronrelevantdevelopmentsandaddressissuesofmutualinterest.

3.2.8 Other interagency structures for children and young peopleTherearecurrently31City/CountyChildcareCommitteesacrossthecountry,eachwithresponsibilityforthepromotionofcross-agencyco-operationandco-ordinationinthedeliveryofchildcareservicesatalocallevelandforthedevelopmentofchildcarelocally.Suchlocalstructures,dedicatedtoservicesforchildren,shouldbeharnessedtocontributetotheneedsanalysisanddevelopmentofplansforeachCYPSC.

TheDCYAwillexploretheformalisationandstrengtheningofrelationshipsbetweenCYPSCsandtheCity/CountyChildcareCommittees.

4. PLANNING, REPORTING AND RESOURCING

26

Theplanning,reportingandresourcingfunctionsofCYPSCsarefundamentaltotheirsuccess.Thesefunctionsneedtobeinformativeyetproportionate,withtheguidingaimofassistinginensuringbetteroutcomesforchildrenandyoungpeoplewhilealsocultivatingalearningandevaluation-focusedapproachtotheworkofCYPSCs.Thisisacoreareaofactivity,whichwillbereviewedandfurtherdevelopedinareportingframeworkforCYPSCslaterin2015.

4.1 CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S PLANSAsdescribedinSection2.6,eachCYPSCisrequiredtoproducea3-yearChildrenandYoungPeople’sPlan(CYPP),whichprovidesfornationalpolicyandlocalneedsandpriorities.Thecontent,scaleandfrequencyofplanswillbeconsideredtoensurethattheyarecontemporary,relevantandtimely,andcanaccommodateandanticipatethemesandtrendsaffectingthechildandyouthpopulationineachlocalarea.PlanswillalsotakeintoaccounttherequirementsofLocalEconomicandCommunityPlanstoensurethatthereiscomplementaritybetweentheseplansandthelocalCYPSCplans.

AstandardisedapproachtothedevelopmentandqualityassuranceofplansandtheirimplementationwillbedevelopedaspartofthewiderreportingframeworkforCYPSCstoensureenhancedaccountabilityandqualityassurance.TheNationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSCwillmonitorprogressinrelationtotheimplementationofCYPPsandproduceareporttotheDCYAandCYPSCNationalSteeringGroup.

AllCYPPswillbepostedonboththeDCYAwebsite(www.dcya.ie)andthenationalCYPSCwebsite(www.cypsc.ie).Localcommitteesandtheirmemberagenciesarealsoencouragedtoincludeplansontheirownrespectivewebsites.Toembedtheworkofthelocalcommitteesandtoensurethatrelevantinputisacknowledged,allmemberagenciesarealsorequestedtoconsiderinclusionofreferencetotheirworkwithinCYPSCsintheirannualreports.

4.2 CYPSC ANNUAL PROGRAMME OF WORK AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

EachCYPSCwillproduceanAnnualProgrammeofWork,whichwillbeasuccinctstatementcontainingthecommittee’sobjectivesfortheyear.ItwillbeinformedbylocalprioritiesasexpressedwithintheChildrenandYoungPeople’sPlanandtheprioritiessetoutbytheChildrenandYoungPeople’sPolicyConsortium,andshouldhaveregardtootherrelatedpoliciesandstrategieswhererelevant.ItmayalsoaddressprocessestosupportlocalimplementationofnationalpoliciesandstrategiesthatmaybedirectedfromtimetotimebytheDepartmentofChildrenandYouthAffairs.

EachCYPSCwillberequiredtosubmitaProgressReporttotheNationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSC.ThiswillbeproducedonaregularbasisintheformofaconcisereportdrawingfromdevelopedindicatorsandillustratingthestatusandprogressofdevelopmentswithintheCYPSCarea.

27

PLANNING, REPORTING AND RESOURCING

TheNationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSCwillleadthedevelopmentoftheplanningandreportingrequirements.ThiswillbeprogressedthroughtheestablishmentofofaWorkingGroup,comprisedofkeystakeholdersinvolvedinCYPSCs,todevelopareportingframework.

4.3 CYPSC NATIONAL PROGRESS REPORTTheNationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSCwillprepareaCYPSCNationalProgressReport,basedontheindividualCYPSCProgressReportsandotherinputs,forsubmissiontotheCYPSCNationalSteeringGroupandtheDCYA.

4.4 REPORTING TO THE CONSORTIUMTheChairpersonoftheCYPSCNationalSteeringGroupisalsoamemberoftheChildrenandYoungPeople’sPolicyConsortiumandwillreporttotheConsortiumontheprogressandemergingissuesrelatingtoCYPSCs.ThiswillbeinformedbytheCYPSCNationalProgressReport(seeabove).

4.5 MANAGING AND LEVERAGING BUDGETSCYPSCmemberagenciesshouldworktogethertoleverageandmakeeffectiveuseofexistingfundingtodeliverontheobjectivesoftheirChildrenandYoungPeople’sPlan.Informedbylocalneed,itisanticipatedandadvisedthateachCYPSCwouldinformthebudgetallocationandexpenditureofmemberagencies,utilisingthewiderknowledgeandexperienceofthecommittee.ThisapproachisinformedbyCommitmentG68ofBetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures,whichcommitsto:

‘UsetheintelligencefromChildren’sServicesCommittees[nowChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommittees]inrelationtolocalneedandprioritiestoinformtheallocationofnationalandlocalfundingstreams.’

AlocalCYPSCmay,uponoccasion,wishtoapplyforfundingforprogrammesandprojects,butmaynotbeinapositiontoapplyinitsownrightsinceaCYPSCisnotalegalentity.Insuchcircumstances,oneofthememberagenciesoftheCYPSCshouldapplyasafiscalagentfortheCYPSC.AlllocalCYPSCsshouldidentifyappropriatefiscalagentswhocanapplyforfundingontheirbehalfastheopportunityarises.

4.6 RESOURCING OF CYPSCsTheDCYAprovidesanannualallocationtoTusla–ChildandFamilyAgencytosupportCYPSCsandalsocurrentlyprovides,incertaininstances,afundingcontributiontolocalCYPSCCo-ordinators.Inaddition,theDCYAfundsthepostofNationalCo-ordinatorfor

28

BLUEPRINT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES COMMITTEES

CYPSC.Atpresent,localCYPSCCo-ordinatorsinpostscomefromarangeofdisciplinesandprofessions.Thereisadiversityoffundingandemploymentarrangementsacrossthecountry,withasmallmajorityofCo-ordinatorsemployedbyTusla,whileothersareemployedbyotherstatutoryagenciesandasignificantminorityareemployedbythecommunityandvoluntarysector.ThecurrentdiversityofarrangementsoffersarichnessofskillsandapproachesintheCo-ordinators’role.However,italsobringschallengesintermsofsustainabilityandstandardisationoftheCo-ordinators’post.

TheDCYAhasbeenworkingwithTuslainanefforttobringgreaterstandardisationtotheroleofCYPSCCo-ordinators,havingregardtoavailableresources.ThiswillenableabaselinelevelofprovisionofCo-ordinators’postsinandacrossCYPSCs,standardisestructuresandmaximisesynergieswithintheCYPSCinfrastructure.

Inlinewiththisstandardisedapproach,itisintendedthatCYPSCCo-ordinators’postslocatedwithinthecommunityandvoluntarysectorwillmigratetoTusla.TuslawillinviterelevantstatutoryagenciestomeetanddiscussparticularcircumstanceswithaviewtoreachingmutualagreementinrelationtostandardisinganyCo-ordinator’spostcurrentlysituatedinastatutoryorganisationotherthanTusla.

TheDCYAaimstomaximisetheresourcingofCYPSCsbyencouragingrelatedsectors(suchasLocalGovernment,HealthAuthoritiesandthestakeholdersintheEducationsector)toprovideresourcesinsupportofthesharedobjectivesidentifiedthroughtheCYPSCstructures.Thesemayincludefinancial,administrativeorprofessionalsupportsthatwillenhancetheabilityofCYPSCstosupporttheirkeyprioritiesandobjectives.TheintentionisthatsuchresourcingisindirectrecognitionoftheeffectivenessoftheCYPSCtolocalstakeholdersintermsofeachmemberagency’scommitmenttoimprovingoutcomesforchildrenandyoungpeoplethroughinteragencyworking.Therefore,whileanamountofcorefundingwillbeprovidedbytheDCYAandTusla,eachCYPSCisexpectedtoleveragelocalfundingandtodeveloptheserevenuestreams.

5. COMMUNICATIONS AND CAPACITY-BUILDING

30

TheevolutionofChildren’sServicesCommitteespresentedanopportunitytoretitletheinitiativetoChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommitteesinlinewithcurrentpolicydevelopments.Thetitleofthe‘WorkingTogetherforChildren’initiativeandassociatedlogohavenowbeenretired.

5.1 ISSUING OF GUIDANCE FOR CYPSCsThefollowingdevelopmentsareintendedtoclarifyandstreamlineinformationonCYPSCs:

• CYPSCsupportingdocumentsandliteraturewillbeupdatedandrationalised,andaccompaniedbyclearpolicyguidanceanddirection,whichwillreflecttheextendedageremitofCYPSCs.

• Aclearandsuccinctcompositedocumentwillbedrawnupin2015toprovideimplementationguidancetoCYPSCs.

• AninteragencyprotocolhasbeendevelopedandissuedbytheDepartmentoftheEnvironment,CommunityandLocalGovernmenttoestablishengagementarrangementsbetweenLCDCsandotherlocalcommittees/bodies.TheDCYAiscurrentlyengagingwiththeDECLGtodevelopaguidancedocumentontheinteractionbetweenLCDCsandCYPSCs,reflectingtheuniqueroleoftheCYPSCsasdistinctfromsingleentityserviceproviders.TheDCYAwillissuefurtherguidanceoncethisprocessiscompleted.

• AguidancedocumentoutliningtheinterrelationshipbetweenlocalCYPSCsandTusla’sPrevention,PartnershipandFamilySupportinfrastructurehasbeendraftedandwillbeavailablewiththerevisedimplementationguidance.

• AsectoralapproachtodevelopingthelinkagesbetweenCYPSCsandrespectivesectors(e.g.Education,Health)willalsobeexploredtoensuretheroleandremitofCYPSCsandrelatedsectorsareclearlycharted.

5.2 COMMUNICATIONS PLANAcommunicationsplanwillbedevelopedbytheNationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSC,takingintoaccountinteractionswithdifferentsectorstoensurethattheyareinformedbyup-to-datedevelopmentsinCYPSCsandviceversa.ThisplanwillfocusontheroleofCYPSCsinthecontextoftheimplementationofBetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures.

31

5.3 WEBSITEThenationalwebsiteforChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommittees(www.cypsc.ie)hasbeendevelopedasafocalpointforinformationonCYPSCsandagatewaytoinformationonindividualcounty-levelcommittees.Itwillserveseveralfunctions,including:

• topromoteinteragencyworkingthroughCYPSCstoawide-rangingaudienceacrosssectors,professionsanddisciplines;

• toprovidecurrentinformationtoalllevelsofCYPSCinfrastructure;

• tofacilitateinformationexchangebetweenlocalCYPSCs;

• tosupportCYPSCstolocatethemselveswithinthelargercommunity/nationalinitiative.

5.4 CAPACITY-BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT FOR CYPSCs

Capacity-buildinganddevelopmentsupportforCYPSCswillbeprovidedthrough:

• Training,whichwillbemadeavailabletolocalCYPSCChairpersons,Vice-Chairpersons,committeemembersandCo-ordinators,subjecttotheidentificationofneedandtheavailabilityofresources.

• AnationaleventforCYPSCs,whichwillcontinuetobeheldandfurtherdevelopedinordertoprovideanopportunityforknowledgeexchangeandnetworking,andtoensurethatbestpracticemodelsareidentifiedandshared.

5.5 DATA, EVALUATION AND DISSEMINATION OF BEST PRACTICE

TheDCYAwillseektosupportthedevelopmentofdataandevaluationcapacitiesthatcansupporttheCYPSCinitiativetointegratewithotherdatasourcesandtomakeuseofexistingdataavailable.TheCounty-levelDataAnalysisInitiative,whichisongoing,isanexampleinthisregard.

Otherrelateddevelopmentswillinclude:

• ConsiderationofthedevelopmentofalearningandevaluationframeworkforCYPSCs.

• Thedevelopmentofsupportmaterialtostrengthenimplementationcapacityanddisseminationofbestpractice,whichcanactivelysupporttheworkofCYPSCs.

COMMUNICATIONS AND CAPACITY-BUILDING

6. KEY ACTIONS 2015 – 2017 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT

OF CYPSCs

34

Theseactionswillbesubjecttoreviewastheroll-outevolves.

KeyActions Partners Timeframe

Nationalroll-out

Theroll-outnationallyofChildren’sServicesCommittees[nowChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommittees]inaco-ordinatedfashion,connectingthemwithLocalGovernmentandTusla–ChildandFamilyAgency.(BetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures,G47,p.40)

DCYA,Tusla,LCDCs,LocalGovernmentandNationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSC

2015

PlanningandCo-ordination

Ensureplanningandco-ordinationofparentingsupportsatlocallevelthroughChildren’sServicesCommittees[nowChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommittees].(BetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures,G2,p.28)

LocalCYPSCs,Tusla,DCYA,DJE,HSE,LocalGovernmentandNationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSC

2016

Streamlineplanninganddecision-makingstructuresatlocallevel,includingChildren’sServicesCommittees[nowChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommittees],tobeconsistentwiththeGovernment’spublicsectorreforms,andspecificallythealignmentofLocalGovernmentandLocalCommunityDevelopmentCommittees.(BetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures,G52,p.40)

LocalCYPSCs,DCYA,Tusla,LocalGovernment,DECLG

2015

UsetheintelligencefromChildren’sServicesCommittees[nowChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommittees]inrelationtolocalneedandprioritiestoinformtheallocationofnationalandlocalfundingstreams.(BetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures,G68,p.43)

DCYA,DECLG,DoH,Tusla,HSE,AGS,LocalGovernment,NationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSC,localCYPSCs

2016and2017

Developmentofcounty-levelChildrenandYoungPeople’sPlans.

LocalCYPSCs 2015and2016

FinaliseguidancedocumentonChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommittees(CYPSCs)andLocalCommunityDevelopmentCommittees(LCDCs).

DCYA,DECLG 2015

FormaliseandstrengthenrelationshipofCYPSCswithCity/CountyChildcareCommittees.

DCYA 2015

ExplorethedevelopmentofMemorandumsofUnderstandingbetweenCYPSCsandrelevantagencies.

DCYAandothers 2015

DevelopguidanceontherelationshipbetweenCYPSCsandotheragencies.

NationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSC,DCYA

2015

35

KEY ACTIONS 2015 – 2017 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CYPSCS

KeyActions Partners Timeframe

Resources

PutinplaceanagreedresourcingframeworkforChildren’sServicesCommittees[nowChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommittees],drawingonexistingfinancialsupportfromTusla,LocalGovernmentandDCYA.(BetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures,G48,p.40)

DCYA,Tusla,LocalGovernment

2015

Data

DelivertheCounty-levelDataAnalysisInitiativetosupporttheChildren’sServicesCommittees[nowChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommittees].(BetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures,G62,p.42)

DCYA,NationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSCs

2015and2016

Monitoring,Reporting,LearningandEvaluation

LearningandevaluationframeworkforCYPSCsatlocalandnationallevelwillbeexplored.

NationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSC,localCYPSCs,DCYA

2015

DevelopmentofreportingframeworkforCYPSCs. NationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSC,localCYPSCs,DCYA

2015

QualityassurancereviewsofCYPSCs’ChildrenandYoungPeople’sPlans.

NationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSC,DCYA,Tusla,CentreforEffectiveServices

2015and2016

Ensurelocalcounty-levelimplementationandmonitoringthroughtheChildren’sServicesCommittees[nowChildrenandYoungPeople’sServicesCommittees],whichwillbeformallylinkedwiththenewLocalCommunityDevelopmentCommittees(LCDCs)beingestablishedineachLocalAuthorityareaunderaninitiativeoftheDepartmentoftheEnvironment,CommunityandLocalGovernment.(BetterOutcomes,BrighterFutures,Commitment3,p.113)

DCYA,LocalGovernment 2015

36

BLUEPRINT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES COMMITTEES

KeyActions Partners Timeframe

Implementation

NewimplementationguidetobedevelopedforCYPSCs,bringingtogetherandupdatingexistingoperationaldocumentation.

NationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSC,DCYA,localCYPSCs

2015

ImplementationsupporttonewandestablishedCYPSCs.

NationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSC

2015,2016,2017

Capacity-building:TrainingforlocalCYPSCleadership.

NationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSC,DCYA,localCYPSCs

2015,2016,2017

AnnualeventforCYPSCs. NationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSC,localCYPSCs,CYPSCNationalSteeringGroup,DCYA

2015,2016,2017

Guidanceonenhancingchildrenandyoungpeople’sparticipationinCYPSCs.

DCYA,NationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSC,localCYPSCs

2016

Transmitlearningonevidence-informedapproachesemergingfromexistingDCYAinitiativeswithaviewtoinformingtheworkandplanningoflocalCYPSCs.

DCYA 2016

Communications

NationalCYPSCCommunicationsplanandmaterials.

NationalCo-ordinatorforCYPSC

2015

APPENDICES

38

Appendix 1: Children and Young People’s Policy ConsortiumChair:SecretaryGeneral,DepartmentofChildrenandYouthAffairs

DeputyChair:DepartmentoftheTaoiseach

Members:AssistantSecretariesfromtheDepartmentsoftheTaoiseach;PublicExpenditureandReform;Finance;Health;EducationandSkills;SocialProtection;Environment,CommunityandLocalGovernment;JusticeandEquality;Transport,TourismandSport;Jobs,EnterpriseandInnovation;Arts,HeritageandtheGaeltacht;andCommunication,EnergyandNaturalResources;seniorrepresentativesfromTusla,HSEandAnGardaSíochána;City/CountyManagernominatedbyCityandCountyManagers’Association;theChairandthreemembersoftheAdvisoryCouncil;andtheChairoftheCYPSCNationalSteeringGroup.

Function:Tohaveoversightofanddrivecross-GovernmentimplementationofBetterOutcomes,BrighterFuturesanditssupportingstrategies,andreportannuallytoGovernmentonprogressachieved.

39

Appendix 2: Template for Terms of Reference for a Children and Young People’s Services CommitteeThefollowingtextcanbeusedtocreateaTermsofReferencedocumentforanindividualCYPSC,insertingspecificinformationwhereindicatedbythebluetextinsquarebrackets.

1. PurposeThepurposeof[name of CYPSC]willbetoprovidestrategicdirectionandleadershiptoensureeffectiveinteragencyco-ordinationandcollaborationinordertoachievethebestoutcomesforallchildrenandyoungpeoplein[name county/counties].

Note:ACYPSCmaywishtoelaboratefurtherwith,forexample,localisedvisionstatement.

2. TermTheseTermsofReferenceareeffectivefrom[insert start date]andcontinueuntilthe[insert expected date of review of Terms of Reference or when they will be terminated by agreement between the parties].

3. Membership[Name of CYPSC]willcomprise:

• [Name, Title, Organisation](CYPSCChairperson)

• [Name, Title, Organisation](CYPSCVice-Chairperson)

• [Name, Title, Organisation](CYPSCCo-ordinator)

• [Name, Title, Organisation]

4. Roles and Responsibilities[To be discussed by the CYPSC]

5. Meetings

• Allmeetingswillbechairedby[insert name and organisation].

• Ameetingquorumwillbe[insert number]membersoftheCYPSC.

• Decisionsmadebyconsensus(i.e.membersaresatisfiedwiththedecisioneventhoughitmaynotbetheirfirstchoice).Ifnotpossible,CYPSCChairpersonmakesthefinaldecisions.

40

BLUEPRINT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES COMMITTEES

• Meetingagendasandminuteswillbeprovidedby[insert name and organisation].Thisincludes:

» preparingagendasandsupportingpapers;

» preparingminutes/meetingnotesandinformation.

• Meetingswillbeheld[how often]for[specify time]at[specify location].

• Ifrequired,sub-groupmeetingswillbearrangedoutsideofthesetimesatatimeconvenienttosub-groupmembers.

6. Amendment, Modification or VariationTheTermsofReferencemaybeamended,modifiedorvariedinwritingafterconsultationandagreementby[insert name of CYPSC]members.

Designed by Penhouse Design www.penhouse.ie

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52 ST. STEPHEN’S GREEN, DUBLIN 2[Tel: 01 647 6834 or 1890 213434; Fax: 01 647 6843]

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