23/06/04 - Working together to plan children's services in Cumbria

At 10.00am on Tuesday 29 June at Rheghed, Penrith, Cumbria County Council meets with representatives from health, the police, housing and voluntary agencies to develop a commissioning strategy for the care and well being of children in Cumbria.   

A commissioning strategy is a detailed plan about children's services: what services are needed, in what quantities and how they are delivered. The plans take a number of factors into account including changes in population, current gaps in services and Government priorities. The most important factor is the needs of children and families in Cumbria. County Councillor John Mallinson, Cabinet spokesman for care and social services says,   

"There are a number of agencies including the County Council which have shared responsibilities for children and young people and we are committed to developing services to meet their needs and promote their well being. It's important that we work together to avoid duplication of services, reduce the risk of service gaps and make the most of our resources."   

The commissioning strategy will include: 

An agreed vision 

Detailed mapping of service provision   

Specific targets   

Effective monitoring and evaluation