Agenda item

Andrea Houlahan, Strategic Manager for Families First North presented the Pre-Birth Service report which provided an overview of the Pre-Birth Service which was implemented following the Children’s Social Care restructure in February 2018 (for copy of report see file of minutes). 

The Chair referred to the success of the pilot which has resulted in 50% of children being returned to the care of parents and he asked whether this level of success is sustainable.  The Strategic Manager for Families First responded that the service is in its early stages, having been implemented in May, and a measure of success will be identified in due course.  She added that the model actively encourages working with extended families when it is not possible to return children to their parents’ care. 

Councillor Makepeace asked how successful the caseload cap is and the Strategic Manager for Families First responded that workloads are rigorously reviewed to avoid this.

Councillor Smith referred to the Pause project and asked if the project continued to be commissioned from an external provider.  The Strategic Manager for Families First confirmed this is the case, adding that the Pre-Birth Service works alongside Pause practitioners to share learning and provide support, and, valuable lessons are being learnt from this exercise.  Consideration may be given to adopting this model in house, moving forward.

Resolved

That the report be noted.

It was agreed that the Independent Reviewing Officer report (item 9 on the agenda) would be taken as the next item of business.