www.hertsdirect.org

Tackling child poverty in Hertfordshire

Caroline Swindells/Jenny Andrews

Childhood Support Services

Hertfordshire County Council

www.hertsdirect.org

• Child Poverty Act 2010

• Hertfordshire child poverty strategic objectives group

• Action plan priorities

• Funding to support priorities

• More information at www.hertsdirect.org/childpoverty

Child poverty context

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Other Hertfordshire initiatives

Thriving Families

• Better outcomes for families experiencing multiple and complex needs, including crime/ASB, poor school attendance and worklessness.

• Service based on family intervention model – one worker coordinating multi-agency support.

• Teams across Hertfordshire working with 450 families by March 2013.

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Other Hertfordshire initiatives

One Herts One Family • Joint project - Westminster Drugs Project and

Safe Places • Children, parents and families with a range of

issues – difficulties with drug or alcohol, domestic abuse, mental health or debt

• Free, Hertfordshire-wide service • 01462 442442;

www.wdp-drugs.org.uk/pages/onehertsonefamily.html

www.hertsdirect.org

Role of children’s centres• As part of the core offer CCs should offer

access to adult learning and employment support

• This may include volunteering opportunities as a step towards employment and links to JCP, FE colleges etc

• Links with Money Advice Unit, Citizen’s Advice Bureau, district councils, housing providers, Credit Unions…..

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Role of children’s centres cont.• Find out what support your families need to

access training or volunteering opportunities

• Ensure families have access to information about benefits, work based initiatives, courses

• Promote Healthy Start, funded 2 year old places and Free School Meals

• Encourage parents to have aspirations for themselves and their children