Lots of organisations work together to support Dorset’s young people and their families.
Because we work together, we wrote this plan together too.
We listened to children, young people and their families.
They helped us to learn about what life is like for children and young people in Dorset their ideas for the future
It is expensive to buy or rent a home in Dorset. Many people cannot afford the housing they need.
Dorset is mostly countryside. It can be hard to travel between towns and villages without a car.
There has been an increase in crimes against girls and women.
Children are arriving in Dorset from other countries, with no parents to look after them.
Our values guide us in everything we do.
Equality: every child and every family is important. Everyone has the same rights.
Prevention: we want to offer help as soon as possible.
Support: we work together to support families and children.
Belonging: we want everyone to feel included in their community.
Value: we spend our money well, so people get the help they need.
The rest of this is about our plans for the next 10 years:
Babies, young children, parents and carers get the support they want and need.
Good health and relationships when you are young help you to have a good life.
The bond between a baby and its parents or carers is very important.
Midwives, health visitors, preschools and other services help parents and children to thrive.
We will:
Young people are ready for adult life.
Young people want to be ready for adult life. Careers advice and work experience are important.
More young people have eating disorders, anxiety, and other mental health needs.
It is very important to stop young people becoming involved in crime.
We will:
Families are supported to stay together.
When children cannot stay with their family, they get good care.
When children are fostered or adopted, we try to find a home close to the area they know well.
We work with family and friends of children who need care. They are often the best people to help.
Parents and their children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities - SEND -sometimes need a break.
We will:
Children feel welcome and safe in schools, colleges and other places where they learn. They get the best education possible.
Most schools in Dorset are “good” or “outstanding”.
There are not enough school places for children with SEN.
These are places where young people who are not in school can learn in other ways.
For example: farms, forest schools and places to learn practical skills.
We will:
Dorset is the best place to grow up, live and work.
Young people have told us they want to feel safe and welcome in their local communities.
Children have the right to be involved in decisions that affect them.
We must all protect the environment and prevent climate change.
We will:
Families get the support they need, when they need it. Children thrive in their families.
Some families need extra help to care for their children.
Lots of different organisations in Dorset help parents and families.
Local hubs are a way to organise help for families. We will offer support as soon as possible, to stop problems getting worse.
We will:
All young people are safe in their homes and in the community.
Some young people have told us they do not feel safe in their homes or communities.
School exclusions and being targeted by gangs can lead to young people being harmed.
We need to work with young people and families to prevent crime and keep people safe.
We will:
We will write reports about things like:
The Strategic Alliance Board will read the reports. They will take action if they need to.
I’m delighted to share this plan with you. We want to create a bright future for Dorset’s children and young people.
Thank you to the children and young people who helped us to write the plan.
Paul Dempsey
Executive Director People - Children
It is an honour for me to lead the Strategic Alliance for Children and Young People.
We are working together to make sure that Dorset’s children get the best start in life.
Councillor Clare Sutton
Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills
Read the full version of this plan.
Download an Easy Read version of the Dorset Council plan.
If someone is in danger: 999
If it is not an emergency: 101
Phone: 01305 228866
Phone Dorset Connection: 0800 652 0190
