Agenda item

The Chair welcomed Tom Gorman, Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager and Stephen Tracey, Research and Equalities Manager, who delivered a presentation which appraised members of analytical work into the increase in the number of looked after children in Durham.  The presentation included information on the potential causes, comparison rates, national and local policy drivers and looked after children rates by deprivation decile (for copy of presentation see file of minutes).

In response to a question from Cllr Bainbridge, it was clarified that the figures in the presentation related to Durham children up to 18 years of age.  

Cllr McKeon referred to the decrease in the number of looked after children in London and commented that it would be useful to have more information on why this is the case, and, it would be interesting to know whether young people in the deprived areas of London are more likely to access further education than those in the deprived areas of this region. 

The Deputy Head of the Virtual School responded that there has been an increase in the funding in London and this has improved the situation there considerably.  The Head of Looked After Children and Care Leavers commented that figures only provide part of the picture and it is important to understand the primary needs at the point of care. 

Councillor Darkes expressed concern that the ratio of looked after children is as high as 1 in 12 in some of the more deprived areas of the county adding that it would be useful to have more analysis as to the impact of mental health. 

J Willson referred to the challenges facing young people who are preparing to leave care and he commented on how advantageous it is to have initiatives such as ‘Stepping Stones’ to assist young people with the transition.

The Chair asked if there is more data available as to how much of an impact the formalising of Regulation 24 placements and Ofsted results had on the figures.  The Legal Manager for Children, Adults and Health, responded that other factors may have contributed, such as new guidance issued following a significant court case which requires local authorities intending to initiate care proceedings, to do so within within six weeks of a child being accommodated. 

Councillor Smith suggested that it may be useful to link with the University in order to do some further analysis and the Head of Looked After Children and Care Leavers agreed to follow this up.

The Chair thanked the officers for their detailed presentation saying he would recommend to Cllr Potts that the presentation be delivered to the Children and Young People's Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Resolved:

The Panel:

i.          Noted the content of the presentation.

ii.         Commented accordingly on the presentation.

iii.        Indicated if any further information or analysis was required.