Agenda item - Supporting People with Disabilities into Employment

Report of the Executive Director for Families, Children & Learning. (Copy attached)

RESOLVED:

(1)          That the changes to the support and services available to people with complex barriers to employment be noted;

(2)          That the committee should receive annual updates specifically on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) work for those over 19 years of age.

25.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Families,   Children and Learning. The report was introduced by the Head of SEN Statutory Services and the Head of Service Fostering, Adoption & Permanence.

25.2    Councillor Brown welcomed the additional funding and gave support for apprenticeships.

25.3    Councillor O’Quinn requested clarity on the number of officers.

25.4    The Head of Service Fostering, Adoption & Permanence stated there were now 6 full time officers.

25.5    Councillor Phillips enquired if extra funding would be enough.

25.6    The Head of Service Fostering, Adoption & Permanence stated that in terms of access to work, Central Government had put aside some money towards unpaid work, it was clarified that BHCC was currently running internship forums to provide help for access to work and attaining funding.

25.7    Councillor Phillips sought further clarification regarding the form of employment being sought.

25.8    The Head of Service Fostering, Adoption & Permanence stated that one of the fundamental principles of supported employment was that this was comprehensive and sustainable.

25.9    RESOLVED:

(1)          That the changes to the support and services available to people with complex barriers to employment be noted;

(2)          That the committee should receive annual updates specifically on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) work for those over 19 years of age.