Family Solicitors

Bristol City Council has launched a city-wide consultation on the future of youth services in Bristol.

Bristol’s youth services currently comprise nine different contracts that provide services to children and young people between the ages of eight and 19, particularly those in deprived areas of the city.

The contracts are due to end in March 2018, when new ones will be signed with the successful youth service providers following a commissioning exercise. The consultation asks providers, young people and members of the public what they think of the proposed future design of youth services.

The model being consulted on retains a focus on deprived areas of the city –
and proposes sharing £3 million in funding across three areas (North, East/Central and South), based on levels of deprivation in each. The model will ask providers to work in a more connected way to deliver co-ordinated services.

The proposed new model will also support children and young people across a range of areas – and will be tailored based on the needs of the individual and where they live.

Help ranges from advice and guidance on accessing education, employment and training, support around sexual health and drugs and alcohol – and providing activities that help develop confidence and relationship building with peers.

Also proposed will be a contract to stimulate the wider youth sector and respond to rising demands and needs – the provider of this contract will be tasked with working in partnership with organisations across Bristol, to help sustain a universal offer of youth and play services.

The final element of the proposed model is an online information, advice and guidance service, which forms part of the current offering and includes three online portals – Go Places to Play, Rife Magazine and Rife Guide.

Cabinet Member for People, Councillor Clare Campion-Smith, said:

“Providing these services is a vital part of the council’s role in supporting, developing and safeguarding the health and wellbeing of Bristol’s children and young people.

“Despite government funding cuts, we remain committed to ensuring that these opportunities are available to young people in need of support or advice.

“Re-commissioning these contracts will secure vital services for the next five years, so it is essential that we understand the needs of Bristol’s children, young people, parents and providers.”

The consultation will run for 12 weeks until 27 April.

Duncan Lewis Children Lawyers

Duncan Lewis children lawyers can advise parents on a wide range of child care law and family matters, including parents’ duties under the Education Act 1996 and SEND.

Duncan Lewis can also advise on Section 38 enquiries, pre-proceedings meetings, children taken into Local Authority care and Court of Protection cases.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales – and Duncan Lewis advises on family and child care matters under UK law and Islamic law, as well as being able to advise on cross-border family issues, such as child care arrangements, leave to remove and international parent-child abduction.

For expert legal advice on family and child care matters, call Duncan Lewis children lawyers on 0333 772 0409.