Officer Decisions
Head of Children's Social Care - Darryl Freeman
Decision to purchase additional spot purchases for the following:
Issue Based Advocacy for Children and Young People
Children and Young People’s Advocacy Independent Visiting Service.
• To spot purchase up to 2,593 hours per year (indicative 617 referrals) for Issue Based Advocacy for Children
• A purchase of an additional volume of 6 ‘matches’ for Independent Visitor services
The spot purchases are to be made under the existing contract with National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS), The Factory, 14 Alder Hills, Poole, BH12 4AS
There are higher levels of referrals for advocacy and Independent Visitors than the amount expected at the time of tender. DCC has confirmed that referrals are in line with the eligibility criteria for the services and according to the information available to us children and young people are benefitting from the service. The decision to purchase additional advocacy hours and Independent Visitors was made to ensure we are meeting our statutory duties to Children in Care and that we are providing support for children and young people to have their voice heard in Child Protection.
Other options considered were to prioritise referrals for advocacy to remain within the contracted amount. This was not the preferred option at this time because of the potential impact on children and young people’s voice being heard in Child Protection.
No conflict of interest.
A copy of this decision and any supporting documentation considered by the Officer taking this decision may also be made available or inspection by the public at the Council’s Offices or posted upon payment of any copying and postage charges. Any member of the public wishing to take up either of these options is asked to please ring 01392 382888 or email: members.services@devon.gov.uk