CYP Now - Letters: Appeal for sensible cuts

I have written to the president of the Association of Directors of Children's Services calling for her members to have regard to the robust and long-standing evidence base for the effectiveness of young people's information, advice, counselling and support services when making decisions about cuts to services.

A welter of evidence points to the vital role of independent services providing holistic, multi-disciplinary support under one roof for young people aged 13 to 25. Such services make an essential contribution to re-engaging young people who are Neet, reducing youth crime and improving mental health, while having a life-changing impact on individuals.

Despite this, councils are cutting funding to outstanding services. The What? Centre in Stourbridge is the latest example and faces closure after 25 years.

We appreciate just how difficult the decisions facing local authorities are. We want to work with councils to ensure their resources are used most effectively for the benefit of young people and, ultimately, for the councils themselves.

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