Agenda item
Children's Social Care Performance
Minutes:
The Strategic Lead for Business Intelligence introduced to report to Members and in doing so advised there was a good overall performance of looked after children, in addition the after-care service was also improving.
Members heard there was
continuous focus on encouraging care leavers to keep in touch with
the after-care service and ensuring that these young people were in
education or employment.
It was explained the report highlighted the impact on the Social
Care team since the initial lockdown in March 2020 due to Covid-19.
Members heard there were currently 300 looked after children and
275 were Care Leavers. During discussions Members were advised that
the number of unaccompanied asylum seeking children entering the
Borough had reduced, as preferred routes had been through the
Ports, for example through Dover. Officers explained there was an
expectation for numbers to increase in the coming months due to the
winter weather.
The Strategic Lead for Business Intelligence continued by advising
Members the data within the report took into account a change in
Legislation which placed additional responsibilities upon the Care
Leaving Services under the Children and Social Work Act 2017.
It was mentioned how the Initial Health Assessments (IHA) had been
improving and during September 2020 the number of completed IHA
within 20 working days was now 75% compared to the 50% to the
previous year.
The Chair of the Committee thanked Officers for the report and
sought if there were any questions from Members.
Councillor Chukwu queried as to
the recruitment of Foster Carers. The Strategic Lead for Looked
After Children explained the Foster
Carer Strategy along with the branding for recruiting Foster Carers
was currently going through a refresh, with ideas such as offering
Foster Carers within Thurrock Council tax rebates to encourage
local people to join the Foster Carer team.
It was explained once the new branding had been agreed it would be
reported to the Committee for their comments. Officers further
advised during the pandemic the Council had accepted nine new
Foster Carers with a further thirteen applications to be
reviewed.
Councillor Johnson enquired as to if a Care Leaver did not require
a Personal Adviser, could they change their mind at a later date
and seek support. Officers explained there were tight protocols
regarding Care Leavers and Personal Advisers, however should a
Personal Adviser not be required, it was for the young person to
put this into writing. The Strategic Lead for Looked After Children continued to explain if a young
person wished support for a varied period of time this could be
arranged and discussed within the team.
Councillor Akinbohun thanked
Officers for the report and queried as to the number of complaints
and concerns received within the Social Care Service. The Strategic
Lead for Business Intelligence advised that the complaints data was
held by the Complaints Team, however she could get this information
to the Councillor outside of the meeting.
RESOLVED:
1. That members note the areas of improvement in Children’s Social Care and the work undertaken to manage demand for statutory Social Care Services.
2. For any specific areas of interest to be flagged for inclusion/expansion within the next report.
Supporting documents: