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A
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: [email protected]: 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
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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
6
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
7
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
10
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.
11
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.
12
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.
13
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
16
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
17
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.
18
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.
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