A raft of measures designed to give children in Stirling a better future has been drawn up by Stirling Council, NHS Forth Valley and their partners.

Based on eight national wellbeing areas, it is hoped the approach will lead to more young people reaching a positive destination, a reduction in referrals to the Children’s Reporter for offending behaviour, and improve health, including less tooth decay and more children walking or cycling to school.

The Children’s Services Plan 2017-2020, a new multi-agency approach, is being introduced in collaboration with Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue, The Reporter and Third Sector Interface – Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise. It will see partners work more closely both with, and in communities, to deliver services for children and young people as close to home as possible.

Aimed at all children, young people and their families living in the Stirling area, one of the plan’s priorities will be to tackle the impact of low income on participation and achievement.

The plan will have a particular focus on improving outcomes for children and young people who experience poorer life chances, with a focus on preventative approaches, early intervention and increasing the involvement of children and young people, their families and communities.

Key issues identified within the plan also include improving children and young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing and improving life outcomes for Looked After children and young people.

Chair of the Social Care and Health Committee, Councillor Scott Farmer, said, “The plan has been prepared to ensure that children’s services in Stirling are provided in a way which safeguards, supports and promotes the wellbeing of all children and young people.

“In taking forward our priorities for improvement, we will use preventative approaches, early intervention and increasing the involvement of children, young people, their families and communities.

“By focussing on wellbeing and on tackling inequalities, and by establishing a sound evidence base and clear rationale for interventions, partners will target their joint resources where there is the greatest need.”

NHS Forth Valley Director of Public Health, Dr Graham Foster, added, “Over the next three years we will be working with local partners to ensure that every child in Forth Valley has the best start in life and to support children and young people to become resilient and see themselves as successful.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact: Graham Gibson, Communications Officer, 01786 233033,
media@stirling.gov.uk