We have an increasing number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children arriving in our area and the strain on services is starting to overwhelm us. Is any additional support available?
It is difficult to balance the increasing need for services with the need to save money and be more effective. The community resources – faith or culture-based – can often have extensive and innovative networks that can offer practical assistance.
It is important to help young people become a vibrant and valued part of the community, and not excluded or resented. The issue of the need and how best to deal with it is one for all agencies to work on together. Make sure the various multi-agency forums are aware of the issues and work together to find shared solutions. It is something that the lead member and the council will want to be aware of so ensure they are briefed on the issues and the impact and how they are being dealt with.
Answered by Paul Clark, director of the Potential Organisation. He was director of children’s services in Harrow for seven years
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