CHILDREN and young people in care are to receive support and advice from a new multi-agency service launched this week.

The Integrated Service for Looked After Children (ISL) has been created by Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire Health Services and combines education, social and health services.

The scheme will be presented to more than 100 service users, professional and support agencies later this month.

The service follows on from the new Children Bill (2004) which states that the local education authority has a duty to co-operate with social services and health services to provide skilled and trained support staff to support children in care.

Julie Elliot, manager of ISL, said: "The joining of existing services will mean we can now offer a holistic approach to ensure we support children and young people and achieve our vision.

"This will make sure looked after children gain maximum life chance benefits from educational opportunities and enhanced health and social care support."