Issue - meetings

A report of the Director of the Children’s Service to present the targeted strategies and programmes addressing neighbourhood “hot spots” and the needs of high-risk groups, including refugees and asylum seekers and children leaving care.

Members received a report of the Director of the Children’s Service to present the targeted strategies and programmes addressing neighbourhood “hot spots” and the needs of high-risk groups, including refugees and asylum seekers and children leaving care.

The need to target the strategies towards some community groups requires better knowledge and understanding of how sex and relationships are discussed within those communities. Some examples from a national study were given.  It was noted that abduction of teenage girls is a real fear within the Roma community. 

The Connexions Service also needs to target particular “high risk” groups of teenagers and a post has been funded by them within the 'Stepping Up' project. A report from Connexions on their targets was received.

It was asked how teenagers are targeted and how they can access advice services.  Targeting provides access to services around areas where young people congregate.  Teenagers can also access services through a free telephone number and through the 4YP website.  There is a link to the 4YP website on the Haringey Council website, through “Community and Leisure” and “Recreation” links. 

The implications of a high amount of asylum seekers in the borough were discussed.  It was noted that other London boroughs and NASS (National Asylum Support Service)do not always notify Haringey Council of the number of asylum seekers they have placed in Haringey and better information sharing between boroughs would help to inform service needs for community services by this group.  The Chair noted this point and said that he may take this issue up with the Leader of the Council. 

It was noted that this could be improved by applying the protocols we already have agreed with other boroughs on information sharing. 

RECOMMENDED:

• That better data be collated and analysed to identify the nature and level of sexual and reproductive health needs of unaccompanied minors, teenage refugees/asylum-seekers and those leaving care.
• That current sexual health, family planning and young people’s service provision be made more accessible and appropriate in light of the data analysis findings.