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28 May 99

ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN POOLE

An extra £140,000 funding has been won to help improve opportunities for some of Poole's most vulnerable children.

The Borough of Poole's successful bid, under the Government's Quality Protects initiative, was supported by an action plan which outlined the development of local services for children in care; at risk of abuse and who are in need.

The Action Plan is one of only two in the South West region to be highly commended by the Department of Health. Particular strengths noted in the Borough's plan included the clear identification of strengths and weaknesses in current services and the development of clear and realistic plans to improve them.

The additional funding will be used to:
· Develop specialist foster carers for young people with complex needs
· Enhance the support, educational and employment opportunities for young people leaving public care
· Ensure the views of young people receiving services are heard and acted upon
· Ensure information is available to plan and evaluate services

Cllr Mrs Jane James, Chairman of the Social Services Committee said: "This funding will mean that vulnerable young people in Poole receive the best in quality care, health and education services to equip them for adult life. The Department of Health's commendation reflects the hard work of all those involved in developing these services and our commitment to giving young people in our care the support they need to improve their lives."

Jan Thurgood, Head of Children & Families - tel. 01202 261516