Children’s Task Group 05 September 2006
Present:
Angela Hudson - Co-ordinator, The Hollies, Child Protection Unit
Karen Preedy - Probation Officer, Walsall Probation Services
Dianne Geraghty - C.A.H.A.L, Aven House & Rainbow
Lynda Mayo - Teddesley Street Family Centre
Sarah Barker - LSCB Development Co-ordinator, The Hollies
Susan Thorley - Midwife – Lead Drugs/Alcohol & Domestic Violence
B.M Richardson - Dale Street Family Centre
Sue Wilcox - Walsall Domestic Violence Forum
Shirley Archibald - WEPCT, Lichfield House
Apologies:
Carol Taylor
Marilyn Cochlin - Training Co-ordinator (ACPC), Manor Farm Centre
Irene Dodertman
Agenda:
See attached.
Previous minutes:
06 June 2006 – accepted as an accurate record
18 July 2006 – accepted as an accurate record
Matters Arising:
In relation to the bid for money to the P.C.T the deadline had passed.
Maternity Service are participating in the Child Concern Model.
Progressing Working Group:
A brief meeting was held during August, however due to commitments this could not fully
progress. A start at mapping what services are available to children have commenced.
Further meetings need to be organised to move this forward.
Action Plan:
1. Identify groups.
2. Look at developing pilot group further with a view to providing this as a service for the
borough.
3. Resource Directory link up with the current Resource Directory that is being developed
by Walsall Local Authority.
4. Ensure the group links up with work being undertaken with Local Safeguarding Board.
5. Ensure work of group links into Walsall Domestic Abuse Strategy and Work Plan.
Feedback from Agencies:
Health (Linda Albrighton, Shirley Archibald and Sue Thorley)
The post for the Health Visitor designated for work with domestic abuse. The adverts have
now gone out.
Maternity – Sue Thorley advised that the funding for midwifes in relation to “Asking the
Question” (about domestic abuse) has taken place. This was an all day event. Positive
feedback has been received. It is planned that this will be held on a monthly basis
September/October.
Drop-In at Blakenall takes place on Wednesday pm. At the moment the take up is slim.
1 Looking at Sure Start helping out at beginning of October with an Open Day to attempt
to publicise the service.
Sue Jordan (Manager at Blakenall Sure Start) - ????? of domestic abuse 1 in 2.
1 Stepping Stones Birchills - on Mondays.
Schools Programme (Sue Wilcox) – Willenhall Comprehensive currently not responding to the
schools programme request to attend/visit their school.
2 Ready Steady Funding – did not get for Darlaston Youth Club. Leader hoping to get
feedback why this was the case.
3 Attended Bath Street Nacro and involved in older youth club.
4 Electric Palace – sessions on E2E and KYC Start Programme.
5 Frank F Harrison School and Joseph Leckie School will be providing sessions in next
school term.
Family Centres (Barbara Richardson/Lynda Mayo) – Family Centres to continue to provide
one to one work with children. Referrals come from Family Support Panel – main issue is
venue to undertake the work.
1 There is a waiting list for sibling group work.
Shirley Archibald suggested that consideration on bids are made as part of the new Children’s
Centres for space to undertake work. This to be explored further by group members.
Stepping Stones – Ruth has now moved on and interviews for a new Social Worker will be
held.
Saturday Club at Aven House – new worker required. Community transport is available to
assist with collecting the children.
IRS – Specialist Domestic Violence Worker advertising to be held. Currently Gill Till from IRS
is attending Domestic Abuse Filtering Groups with the Police for the MARAC. Gill is also
attending the MARAC Meetings on behalf of IRS.
Aven House – Teatime Club – they are still a worker short so are hoping this will be resolved as
soon as possible.
As soon as a worker has been identified a meeting will be held with Schools Programme
workers, Irene and Sue to look at holding another group for children.
Sarah Barker – LSCB Co-ordinator – her role to work on Action Plan for the Board for 2007 –
Task Group will link into the Board.