Agenda item

The following witnesses were welcomed to the meeting:-

Mel John-Ross, Service Director - Children’s Social Care and Safeguarding, People

Councillor Margaret Bruff – Cabinet Spokesperson, People (Safeguarding)

An introduction was given to the report circulated; highlighting that much of the information remained unchanged as August was an atypical month given that Schools weren’t in session.

The attention of Members was drawn to a number of areas where further detailed information had been provided.  These included the source of referral for Early Help Assessments, and more detailed information relating to the education of Looked After Children.

In the ensuing discussion, a number of areas were discussed, including the following:-

·         Questions were raised regarding the proportion of care leavers who were not in education, employment or training (NEET).  It was acknowledged that this was difficult to benchmark with other areas. It was recognised that this was lower than the corporate target, that this was not good enough and was a priority for this to improve. Members requested that additional detailed information be brought to a future committee meeting regarding this.

·         The number of Looked After Children going missing was discussed, and questions were raised about the context to these figures.  It was suggested that the duration was not the only factor worthy of consideration, and Members were reminded of the authority’s Corporate Parent Responsibility.

·         Members queried the caseloads of social workers, suggesting these were higher than helpful for both officers and children.  In response Members heard that, although higher than was ideal, there were no vacancies contributing to this, and the Council operated a rolling recruitment policy to ensure this was not an issue.  Members were reminded that the needs of children were of primary importance, and of late there had been increased demand.  However, it was recognised that services had to be mindful of budgets.

RESOLVED:-

(i)           That the report be noted;

(ii)          That witnesses be thanked for their attendance: and

(iii)         That additional detailed information be brought to the committee regarding care leavers who are NEET.