Children's needs are at the heart of all we do at the Children's Fund, making a difference in Hampshire by creating greater opportunities for children to reach their full potential. We aim to make a difference by involving local communities and other agencies in planning for how families are supported. We always welcome volunteers and new partners to get involved.

The Children's Fund is a key Government preventative initiative aiming to tackle the problems of social exclusion and underachievement for young people aged 5-13. The idea is that each local authority area receives funds based on the number of local factors present in an area indicating difficulties. A small multi-agency group in each district then consults with local people and allocates money for projects to tackle potential problems early, so that they don't get any worse.

Involving and consulting children is central to the Children's Fund. We value the close involvement of Parents and Carers as advocates for their children in the planning and delivery of their services. This complies with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child of 1989.

The Children's Fund is working with statutory, voluntary, and community agencies, to help children and families overcome poverty and disadvantage. Year One Projects include.

The Children's Fund is one element of the Government's strategy to tackle child poverty and social exclusion. It sits between 'Sure Start' and 'Connexions' 'joining up' services for children and young people. Age range 0-4 yrs 5-13 yrs 13-19 yrs Initiative title Sure Start Children's Fund Connexions

Hampshire Children's Fund is guided by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and locally, by Hampshire Social Services and a multi-agency Partnership Board. Close partnership working informs and supports service planning for families and children. Effective joint working and co-ordinated service delivery avoid fragmentation and duplication in services for children. These principles are central to the Children's Bill, new legislation to champion the rights of Children and improve inter-agency working. For more information on future policy www.dfes.gov.uk/everychildmatters/

In the first year 180 projects have been funded, ranging from £500-£60,000. Many were based on the results of consultative work with children, and have opened doors to new ways of working. The Evaluation report for Hampshire Children's Fund is will be published in March 2006.

Looking ahead, a 'Youth Inclusion and Support Panel' to help join up agencies in hotspot areas will work with young people at risk of offending. Initially piloting in Rushmoor, Gosport, and the New Forest, then potentially 'cross-county'. The Panel will have a budget to buy services, and will work actively with families to reduce risk factors and avoid statutory involvement.