§ Margaret MoranTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what measures he is taking to ensure children's support services in refuges are retained under the Supporting People initiative. [97748]
§ Mr. McNultyThe Supporting People programme will continue to pay for services that are currently paid for from the legacy funding streams that will go into the Supporting People pot. Children's services are not currently funded in this way, and Supporting People Grant would therefore generally not be used for these services.
Some children's services within refuges may, however, also provide housing-related support for mothers, and these services are likely to be funded under the Supporting People programme. For example, the provision of housing related support within children's services may include supporting women with parenting to ensure children settle in the refuge.
Support which predominantly involves direct individual and group support work with children is not fundable under Supporting People. It is therefore important that clear links are established between Supporting People Strategies and local Children's Services Plans and that relevant Social Care and Health workers are aware of the support needs of children living in households vulnerable to domestic violence. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will shortly be issuing guidance to local authorities on preparing their five-year strategies, and this will emphasise the importance of making these strategic links to ensuring that service users' needs are properly met.