Agenda item

The Panel considered the Quarter Two performance report and presentation of Stephen Tracey, Corporate Equality and Strategy Manager (for copy of report and presentation see file of minutes).

Councillor Bainbridge referred to the figures quoted in the presentation, for outcomes for care leavers, observing that the figures showed that 93% of care leavers were in suitable accommodation and she asked how many care leavers this referred to. 

The Corporate Equality and Strategy Manager clarified that out of 85 care leavers, 79 are in suitable accommodation.  The Panel commented that it would be useful for future presentations to include figures, not only percentages.

Councillor Grant observed that the graph showing the number of looked after children indicated the figure for Durham has doubled over the past 10 years and expressed concern as to whether enough research is being carried out to investigate why so many children are entering the care system. 

Councillor Jewell referred to the aspirations of young people in the care system and asked if looked after children are being encouraged to reach their full potential.  The Head of the Virtual School advised that a great deal of work is done to encourage looked after children to be aspirational, including work with foster carers.  However, there is more work to be done to encourage Academies to admit looked after children.  The Senior Partnership Officer referred to a youth aspirations event which is being held in the New Year which care leavers will be invited to.  

In response to a request from Councillor Reed who asked for more details on the number of children who are returned to their families, the Corporate Equality and Strategy Manager agreed to look into this matter for a future Panel meeting.

Councillor Milburn asked how many looked after children are excluded from school.  The Head of the Virtual School reported that no looked after children have been permanently excluded from school since 2015. 

Councillor Darkes pointed out that the number of initial health assessments completed within 20 working days has fallen by 21% and he asked the reason for this.  The Strategic Manager for Looked After and Permanence replied that work is being done with the Families First teams to improve this and she added that delays can be caused by parents failing to give their consent for health assessments to be carried out.

The Chair requested more information on the number of children who are entering the system through Section 20 orders as opposed to Care Orders and the Corporate Equality and Strategy Manager agreed to gather information on this.  The Panel briefly   discussed what can be done to reduce the number of looked after children.  The Strategic Manager for Looked After and Permanence informed the Panel that work is being done through the Supporting Solutions team, Full Circle, the Pre-Birth Team and also Signs of Safety which is a strength based model which is in the process of being implemented.  The Strategic Manager for Looked After and Permanence referred to concerns raised by the President of the Family Division about the national trends in relation to looked after children and she added that if members wished to have further information on this, links could be circulated by the Senior Partnership Officer.

The Chair welcomed Terry Collins, Chief Executive, who joined the meeting as an observer. 

Resolved

That the report and presentation be noted.