A CONSULTATION event with parents who have been supported by the Youth Inclusion Support Programme and Action for Children s Family Intervention Project is being held next Thursday (November 6).

A CONSULTATION event with parents who have been supported by the Youth Inclusion Support Programme and Action for Children's Family Intervention Project is being held next Thursday (November 6).

The consultation event, which is being run by Devon County Council's Youth Offending Service, is being held to get feedback from families who have been involved in the Youth Inclusion Support Programme. The service has worked with families whose children are at risk of offending or being involved in anti-social behaviour, running a range of programmes from fun creative activities for the children to parenting courses.

The aim of the consultation is to find out what parents think of the provision, how it has helped them, and whether any improvements can be made to the current service.

The service also wants to consult parents about future plans for recruiting and maintaining a pool of trained volunteer parent mentors. It is hoped that with on-going support from volunteer mentors, YIPS can help parents cope with any future difficulties with a friendly ear and practical support from the mentor.

After gaining parents views, any issues raised will be incorporated into the mentor training. The training will include a four-day foundation module in 'Working with Parents' and the core training for Youth Justice.

The first round of training will take place early next year in Exeter. Anyone who would like further information on becoming a Volunteer Parent Mentor please contact Jane Innes on 01392 384978 or email her at jane.innes@devon.gov.uk.

Devon County Council's Executive Member for Children and Young People's Services, Councillor John Smith, said: "YISP run a range of highly successful programmes aimed at engaging vulnerable children and their families in activities, courses and mentoring programmes.

"The programme helps the young people in building their self-esteem, giving them new skills and providing them with a sense of purpose. It also helps parents and carers through a range of practical parenting techniques for managing their behaviour.

"However, we need to find out what we are doing well and what can be improved, and this event is an opportunity for people who have used the service to tell us what they think of it."

The event is being held at the Youth Offending Service Conference Room at Ivybank, St David's Hill, Exeter EX4 4DN from on Thursday, November 6, 4.30pm until 7pm, with a buffet provided.