Where have we been? A number of people have been asking where

1. Where have we been? A number of people have been asking where Parent Views Count has been since September. Parent Views Count has a new address: Parent Views Count 8 St. Agnes Road Harris House Moseley Birmingham B13 9PW Our new e-mail address is: info@parentviewscount.org Our new number is: 0121 449 2249 You can still reach us on: 07795121281 at www.parentviewscount.org And now find us on Facebook! WELCOME We would like to warmly welcome Doreen Wiffen-Jones in her new post as Strategic Manager for Parent Views Count. Be sure to introduce yourself to Doreen at the next Parent Forum Meeting on 17th November 2011 at Carrs Lane Church Centre Newsletter Autumn 2011 www.parentviewscount.org

2. Parent Forum Meeting Thursday, 17th November 2011 Venue: Carrs Lane Church Centre Carrs Lane Birmingham Time: 10:00am-1:00pm Come and share your views on the Short Breaks your child accessed over the summer and hear from Short Breaks service providers about the services they provided over the summer and the October half-term, as well as what we can expect in 2012. There will also be an opportunity to speak with Service Providers at a ‘Marketplace Event’ Some expenses incurred for attending PVC Parent Forum meetings can be reimbursed. If you have any questions about claiming expenses please contact PVC. To claim back expenses on the day of the Parent Forum meeting please ask for a member of staff at the front desk before you leave. If you are experiencing difficulties attending the Parent Forum meetings please contact us. If you are interested in becoming involved in Parent Views Count or would like more information please contact us info@parentviewscount.org or on 0121 449 2249 07795121281

3. Your Views Count! Have Your Say! BCC is currently holding public consultations on budget cuts. You can find the ‘Business Plan and Budget 2012+’ document on the following link: http://www.karmadillo.co.uk You can also send in your views via post to: Budget Views, Room B119, Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BB e-mail to: budget_views@birmingham.gov.uk Or complete the on-line survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/budget2012 Birmingham is changing the way services are delivered to children, young people and their families, in partnership with health, the police, and the voluntary sectors. Integrated Access Teams will provide a single point of contact for professionals and members of the public who want to seek support or raise concerns about a child. Integrated Access Teams will provide an accessible and responsive service, screening assessments to determine appropriate action, advice about support available and referrals to the most appropriate services. The referral should be made to the Integrated Access Team in the area where the child lives. Please check the map carefully as some areas traditionally in ‘South’ are now in ‘East’. Once the referral has been accepted, there are 4 possible outcomes: 1. A referral to the Children’s Social Care First Response Team 2. A referral to Integrated Family Support Teams who will bring together professionals from a range of children’s services. They will work together in a coordinated way to meet the needs of the child and the family where additional support is required. 3. Advise that a Common Assessment Framework needs to be undertaken within a universal setting 4. Advice and signposting to universal settings. Birmingham is changing the way services are delivered - IMPORTANT CHANGES!