Council and democracy

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: