Agenda item

The Panel considered a report and presentation of Jak Tyler, Operations Manager, Children and Young People’s Services which provided an overview of the Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) Service’s Looked After Children Annual Report for the period 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 (for copy of report and presentation see file of minutes).  

The Chair referred to the increasing numbers of looked after children and the impact this has had on workloads and the Operations Manager informed the Panel that two additional members of staff have been recruited to address this. 

In response to a question about the increase in the number of disputes raised this year and whether any themes were emerging, the Operations Manager responded that issues are varied, however, a number are in relation to placement stability and assessment delays.  Councillor Darkes referred to the 139 disputes, amounting to 12% of the looked after population and he asked what work is being done to improve the situation.  The Operations Manager replied that the service intervenes to ensure that assessments are dealt with on time and the service works closely with Children’s Services regarding the quality of care plans.  She added that emerging themes are investigated to identify any potential underlying problems. 

Karen Robb, Strategic Manager for Looked After and Permanence referred to issues regarding delays saying that problems with the recruitment and retention of social workers has placed teams under increased pressure, however the situation has improved during the year following a successful marketing campaign.  Councillor Jewell commented that it would be useful to have an update on the current situation with regard to the recruitment and retention of social workers, to ensure all members of the Corporate Parenting Panel are sighted on this. The Strategic Manager for Looked After and Permanence emphasised that the recruitment and retention of social workers is a national problem, which is leading to increased competition in the field. 

In response to a question as to how many children are actively involved in their reviews, the Operations Manager replied that children are encouraged to participate in their reviews with approximately 98% of children, over the age of 4, being involved in their reviews with reviews being tailored to the wishes of the child.  A new system is due to be implemented from January 2019, which will provide more definitive information around young people’s active engagement.

Resolved

That the report be noted.