MALAP (Multi-Agency Looked After Partnership)

In 2002 the Government said that looked after children and young people were more at risk than other children and young people in many ways. These included:

A higher risk of physical and mental health problems
Gaps in health records
Disrupted education

To make things better, the Government said that all Councils should make sure that local services work together to help solve the problems facing looked after children and young people.

The MALAP (Multi-Agency Looked After Partnership) is a group of people from many different organisations which was set up to look at how they could work together to help improve educational achievements, post 16 services and the health and emotional well-being of looked after children and young people to give the best possible chance in life. This is also in response to 'Every Child Matters'.

The individuals that make up the MALAP include representatives from Children, Education and Social Care, Health, Sure Start, Connexions, the Youth Offending Service and Housing and Leisure.

Stockton-on-Tees Council's MALAP meets regularly to talk about the things that affect looked after children and young people and to try to solve problems.

The MALAP is also hoping more and more to involve looked after children and young people in different ways such as inviting them to meetings and events so their voices are heard. At the moment, the link between looked after children and young people and the MALAP is through Heather Kershaw, the Children's Rights and Participation Officer. The MALAP also helps to improve communication between Councillors and looked after children and young people.