Children and Young People's Service (CYPS - Lambeth Council

outside agencies to provide services for children and young people between the ages of 0-19 and their families living in
Lambeth. The Department encompasses both the functions of an Education Authority and the statutory duties placed on Local
Authorities to safeguard children and young people. Many aspects of the department’s work are enshrined in legislation, for
example the Children Acts 1989, 2004 and 2006; and the Education Act 2002 and 2005.
A major focus of the Department’s work is on addressing vulnerability. Working with various partners, CYPS aims to ensure
that if a child becomes vulnerable or in acute need, services are in place to support them and their families/carers. The
Department recognises that not all children and families have the same opportunities, and therefore works to address
inequalities and social exclusion through targeted services.
Child poverty is a major issue in Lambeth with 1 in 3 children and young people living in families dependent on out of work
benefits. Poverty impacts disproportionately on some of the already vulnerable families such single parents, children and
young people growing up in families with a disabled parent, some BME groups, etc. CYPS is committed to work with partner
agencies to tackle poverty.
The main objective of the CYPS is to achieve local implementation of “Every Child Matters”. “Every Child Matters” comprises
the main plank of the government’s reform of children’s services in England. Enshrined in the subsequent Children Act 2004
and 2006, “Every Child Matters” has tasked every Local Authority to work in partnership with others to achieve a number of
long-term goals for children in their area. These have been summarised by 5 national outcome measures. In particular, the
government wants to see services being develop that will help children and young people to:
Be Healthy
Stay Safe
Enjoy and Achieve
Make a Positive Contribution
Achieve Economic well-being
The CYPS Service Plan supports the delivery of the above strategic outcomes within the priorities established by Council’s
Corporate Plan and partnership priorities identified in the Children and Young People’s Plan.
The CYPS has three key strategic aims:
Safeguarding children and young people
Supporting children and young people to avoid risky and harmful behaviours
Raising achievement and narrowing the gap between children and young people
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