Children and young people

Children and young people are the main users of services delivered by voluntary and community organisations (VCOs) in Middlesbrough. An estimated 200 VCOs provide services to children, young people and their families across the Borough. They include local arms of national organisations, small and medium-sized local organisations, and purely voluntary groups such as playgroups, youth clubs and uniformed groups.

The services delivered supplement public services aimed at improving outcomes for young people in the locally agreed priority areas:

• Reducing child poverty
• Health and emotional well-being
• Risk-taking behaviours
• Safeguarding children.

We are disappointed that from 1 April 2011 we no longer have a specialist Planning and Partnership Officer for children and young people's services.

MVDA has a seat on the Children and Young People's Trust Board, a multi-agency partnership committed to improving outcomes for children and young people.

MVDA also represents voluntary and community sector interests on the Local Safeguarding Children's Board and provides support for VCOs in this essential area of good practice.

Strategic planning documents

The Children and Young People's Trust has recently published it's strategic needs assessment. View the document and other related information, including regular updates through Middlesbrough Council website.

The final Children and Young People's Plan for 2011-2014 is available to download below:

• Children and Young People's plan 2011-2014