PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 27^th Feb. 2009

Barry Andrews, TD Minister for Children and Youth Affairs launches the 1^st Annual Report and Workplan of the South Dublin Childrens Services Committee in the presence of the Deputy Mayor of South Dublin County Council Guss O Connell on 3^rd March at the Big Picture, Tallaght

The South Dublin Childrens Services Committee (SDCSC) was established, by the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA) and operates as a constituent member of the County Development Board. The role of the committee is to implement improved services for children and families by participating in cross-sector working and joint implementation of policies and initiatives. Members of the committee are drawn from senior staff in 16 statutory and non-statutory agencies who work with children and families in South Dublin.

Since 2007 the Committee has been working towards developing this interagency approach. Key areas being address by the Committee include Education, Child and Family Safety, Interagency case work, Communications and Participation in planning, Research and Data collection to inform better planning In his speech the Minister referred to the need for public servants to work smarter, more flexibly and more strategically in both the planning and delivery of services.

The work of the Childrens Services Committee is still at an early stage but the process has encouraged cross-fertilisation of ideas and an appreciation of how the range of diverse agencies fit in the picture that is South Dublin County.

This Annual report details the work done to the end of 2008. It also gives a flavour of what is to come in 2009-2010. However the Workplan is a living organic entity which will evolve over the next year as the Committee meets to review its work, explore the lessons learnt and further develop its plans to ensure that

Children and Families enjoy a life which is fulfilling in every aspect

For a copy of the Report please email mdonohoe@sdublincoco.ie