Agenda item
Children's Social Care Performance Report
- Meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Tuesday 26 February 2019 2.00 pm (Item 56.)
- View the reasons why item 56. is restricted
Minutes:
The Following witnesses were welcomed to the meeting:
Mel John-Ross - Service Director, Children’s Social Care & Safeguarding, BMBC
Cllr Saunders - Cabinet Support Member – People (Safeguarding)
The Service Director introduced this item and gave an overview of performance indicators for children’s safeguarding and social care up to the end of December 2018. It was reported that although there are no significant changes and performance remains good across children’s social care, there are some seasonal and monthly fluctuations. Barnsley’s rating for adoption is ‘outstanding’ but there was always more to do.
In the ensuing discussion, and in response to detailed questioning and challenge, the following matters were highlighted:
· The proportion of Section 47 investigations converting to child protection conferences had decreased notably and was the lowest ever reported, however, the number of investigations ending in no further action had increased to the highest level reported
· It was noted that reporting on the timeliness of initial child protection conferences were within 15 days and was now in line with the national definition
· The number of children in care were still relatively low compared to other authorities
· Information was provided with regard to a recently introduced performance measure embedded into the CSC Monthly Reporting Process in relation to Visits to Care Leavers which indicated that performance improvements had been made. There were no reasons to believe that this would not be sustained
· Reference was made to the success of the Christmas dinner for Care Leavers and to the benefits this had made particularly for the morale of such leavers. It would be nice if this could be repeated this year
RESOLVED that:
(i) Members note the report, and
(ii) Witnesses be thanked for their attendance and contribution.