The Kensington and Chelsea Family Services Select Committee is set to prioritise youth violence and mental health in its upcoming work programme. These priorities are informed by data and trends highlighted in the Bi-Borough Children and Young People's Plan (CYPP) Two-Year On Report, which indicates evolving risks surrounding children and families at risk of exploitation in relation to youth violence. Regarding mental health, a 2023 Westminster needs analysis called for improvements in mental health support and youth engagement, a theme echoed in the Kensington and Chelsea Youth Service Review and the Family Time/Contact Consultation.
The committee met on Thursday to discuss its priorities for the 2025/2026 municipal year, with a focus on early intervention, emotional well-being, and safeguarding children from harm. The discussions took place during the Family Services Select Committee meeting on Thursday, 3 July 2025, where the committee reviewed its work programme and the CYPP.
Key areas of focus for the committee include:
- Serious Youth Violence: Addressing the evolving risks surrounding children and families at risk of exploitation. The committee will review the Youth Justice Plan and measures to protect children from exploitation. The CYPP Two-Year On Report notes that while the volume of serious youth violence has decreased since the pandemic, the nature of incidents is changing, requiring continued attention.
- Emotional Well-Being and Mental Health: Monitoring the implementation of the Emotional Well-Being Mental Health Plan and ensuring access to mental health services in schools and the community. Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) are now available in all state schools in both boroughs, delivered by West Central London Mind, providing CBT-based interventions and whole-class support for mild to moderate mental health needs.
- Early Intervention and Prevention: Preparing young people for the transition to adulthood, with a focus on early intervention to improve life-long pathways.
The committee also discussed the progress of the CYPP, which outlines seven priorities for children and young people, including ensuring the best start in life, access to high-quality education, protection from harm, and support for those affected by the Grenfell tragedy. The CYPP Two-Year On Report highlighted key achievements and future focus areas. The report prioritizes continued support for children and young people affected by the Grenfell tragedy, including the Grenfell Community Support Programme, which makes £225,000 per year available to schools to directly commission support services. The North Kensington Inclusion Pilot (NKIP) also provides advocacy and support to families affected by school suspension or exclusion, with a significant proportion of supported children being eligible for Free School Meals and having SEN support.
Key achievements outlined in the CYPP include a 'Good' overall rating with 'Outstanding' elements for youth justice services in Westminster following an inspection by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation in April 2024. The Turnaround Programme in Westminster has also been expanded to engage children at the cusp of anti-social and/or offending behavior.
Cllr Will Pascall (Chair, Family Services Select Committee) and the committee members will further develop a detailed work programme, allocating reports to meetings and incorporating visits to key services in the borough. The committee aims to ensure that its work has a tangible impact on the lives of children and young people in Kensington and Chelsea. The CYPP Two-Year On Report includes practice spotlights that highlight the real-life impact of the council's work, bringing to life the stories of individuals and communities. The report also includes a review of recent engagement and co-production activities to confirm that the priorities remain relevant to children and young people. The CYPP dashboard also sets out performance data and highlights progress towards the seven priorities.
The Family Services Select Committee is scheduled to meet again on 25 September 2025.