Transcript HCC

Tackling child poverty in
Hertfordshire
Caroline Swindells/Jenny Andrews
Childhood Support Services
Hertfordshire County Council
www.hertsdirect.org
Child poverty context
• Child Poverty Act 2010
• Hertfordshire child poverty strategic
objectives group
• Action plan priorities
• Funding to support priorities
• More information at
www.hertsdirect.org/childpoverty
www.hertsdirect.org
Other Hertfordshire initiatives
Thriving Families
• Better outcomes for families experiencing
multiple and complex needs, including crime/ASB,
poor school attendance and worklessness.
• Service based on family intervention model – one
worker coordinating multi-agency support.
• Teams across Hertfordshire working with 450
families by March 2013.
www.hertsdirect.org
Other Hertfordshire initiatives
One Herts One Family
• Joint project - Westminster Drugs Project and
Safe Places
• Children, parents and families with a range of
issues – difficulties with drug or alcohol, domestic
abuse, mental health or debt
• Free, Hertfordshire-wide service
• 01462 442442; www.wdpdrugs.org.uk/pages/onehertsonefamily.html
www.hertsdirect.org
Role of children’s centres
• As part of the core offer CCs should offer
access to adult learning and employment
support
• This may include volunteering opportunities
as a step towards employment and links to
JCP, FE colleges etc
• Links with Money Advice Unit, Citizen’s
Advice Bureau, district councils, housing
providers, Credit Unions…..
www.hertsdirect.org
Role of children’s centres cont.
• Find out what support your families need to
access training or volunteering opportunities
• Ensure families have access to information about
benefits, work based initiatives, courses
• Promote Healthy Start, funded 2 year old places
and Free School Meals
• Encourage parents to have aspirations for
themselves and their children
www.hertsdirect.org