Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Education, Skills and Early Help and the recommendation of the People and Health Overview Committee.

That the proposed development of Dorset’s Family Hub Network be approved.

Reason for the decision

Family Hubs aim to improve access to, and take up of services for babies, children, young people, and their families, through coordinated multi agency delivery of information and support located in accessible spaces within communities. The report set out the proposed development of the Family Hub Network across Dorset.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills, and Early Help presented the recommendation of the People and Health Overview Committee of 6 February 2024. He advised that when you focus on families and develop a network of support, outcomes were greatly improved.  The Family Hub Programme Lead reported that family hubs were for all families living in the Dorset Council area.  They provided information and services for families with children from conception to age 18, and this was up to age 25 for young people with SEND.

Non-executive members welcomed the programme and supported this multi-agency and collaborative way forward. In response to a question, the Executive Director for People – Children confirmed that no services would cease until any other appropriate alternative service with increased provision was put into place.

Cllr B Quayle proposed the recommendation, and this was seconded by Cllr J Haynes.

Decision

That the proposed development of Dorset’s Family Hub Network be approved.

Reason for the decision

Family Hubs aim to improve access to, and take up of services for babies, children, young people, and their families, through coordinated multi agency delivery of information and support located in accessible spaces within communities. The report set out the proposed development of the Family Hub Network across Dorset.

To consider a report by the Family Hub Programme Lead.

The Family Hubs Programme Lead introduced the report and gave a presentation to the committee, which is attached to these minutes.

Members considered the report and asked questions of the officers. The following points were made:

·       Officers were aware of the issues in the East of the county. They were working with the VCSE to develop financial model.

·       The most appropriate sites for family hubs in some areas have been identified as the existing children’s centre.

·       Specific requirements, such as confidential spaces, in hubs would require some adaptations to be made in some buildings.

·       There were 4 hubs currently open, and it was aimed that 8 hubs would be open by September.

·       Library buildings were varied so the offer in each one would be varied. Work to look at assets was not yet completed.

·       Library sites would have a core offer which is trained staff being able to signpost to services. Options to enhance offers at libraries were being looked at where possible.

·       The Beaminster Library was not good for this type of service, but there was another Dorset Council building nearby that would be more suitable. The member sought assurances that this alternative building was being looked at. It was requested that further details be provided for Cabinet about intentions going forward.

Proposed by Cllr Alford, seconded by Cllr Dunseith.

Decision:

That the proposed development of Dorset’s Family Hub Network be recommended to Cabinet for approval, with the additional information requested on libraries.