(Image: NYC)
Plans could give more children and young people in North Yorkshire earlier help, while preventing family problems from escalating.
The proposed strategy, 'Little Steps to Big Futures: With You. Your Place. When it Matters,' sets out North Yorkshire Council’s plans for the next three years.
It focuses on early help, inclusion and helping children feel they belong in their families, schools and communities.
Councillor Janet Sanderson, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for children and families, said: "Every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy a happy, healthy and fulfilling childhood, regardless of their background or circumstances.
"This strategy sets out how we will continue to transform the way we work so that support is focused on prevention, inclusion, belonging and building on the strengths that already exist within families, schools and communities.
"By intervening earlier and working more closely with our partners, we want more children to remain safely with their families wherever possible and more children and young people to achieve, thrive and feel that they belong within their local schools and communities."
The strategy draws on local data and feedback from children, families and partner organisations.
The council says children in North Yorkshire still face challenges including poverty, health and wellbeing, SEND, discrimination and rural isolation.
The plan sets out five priorities:
- Helping families earlier
- Promoting inclusion, belonging and learning
- Strengthening families and support networks
- Improving stability for vulnerable children and young people
- Helping young people develop the skills and confidence needed for adulthood
It also supports national reforms in children’s social care, safeguarding and SEND.
The strategy prioritises early help, joint working and inclusion, with children supported closer to home.
The council wants services, schools and communities to work together so families get the right help sooner and avoid more intensive support later.
Cllr Sanderson said: "We know that the best outcomes are often achieved when children feel connected to their families, schools and communities, and when they have a strong sense of belonging and purpose.
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"This strategy is about strengthening those foundations and working together to create a system that is more joined-up, more inclusive and increasingly focused on helping children and families succeed before difficulties become more significant.
"Through continuous improvement and strong partnerships, we want North Yorkshire to be a place where every child and young person feels valued, included, connected and supported to realise their ambitions, with a genuine sense of belonging in the communities they call home."
North Yorkshire Council’s executive will consider the strategy on Tuesday, October 27.