Target Youth Support Path Finder (TYSP) pilot began summer 2006, covering a geographical area of Birtley, Barley Mow and Kibblesworth in conjunction with the Training Development Agency (TDA) the programme aimed to provide earlier identification, support and intervention to meet the needs of children and young people aged 8 – 17 years on a multi agency basis. To ensure change both a strategic and operational level the TYSP targeted multi agency working at a practitioner and manager level.
Now more than 12 months on, major changes have been achieved in the Birtley, Barley Mow and Kibblesworth area including:
· More that 50 people from a range of agencies are working together to ensure better outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
· Management and practitioners have accessed Common Assessment Framework training at an appropriate level to ensure a holistic family support plan and appropriate services are offered.
· A Multi Agency Group of practitioners (MAG) meet on a regular basis to develop and review family support plans, making further referrals and appropriate next steps where necessary.
· On a strategic level, a South Area Panel (S.A.P) of managers meet on a regular basis, working in partnership to unblock any problems as identified by MAG members.
Successful outcomes highlighted from the TYSP project are recognised in future plans in the Birtley, Barley Mow and Kibblesworth area. With the current development of the phase 2 Birtley and Chowdene Children Centre’s it is future plans include the involvement of practitioners working with families from ante natal care, incorporating the ‘Family Support’ element of Children Centre core offer. Thus ensuring a Swift and Easy Referral procedure for all children, young people and their families.