Agenda item

The Committee received a report of the Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services which updated Members on the progress made against the recommendations from the review, Role of a Social Worker from a Child’s Perspective (for copy see file of minutes).

The Strategic Manager, Safeguarding and Professional Practice reiterated the offer for any Member of the Committee to attend the MASH and confirmed that this was an open offer to all Members.

In relation to recommendation no. 7, the Strategic Manager, Safeguarding and Professional Practice confirmed Jen Norman had been appointed as an Engagement and Participation Worker to ensure communication between social workers and children and young people.

Councillor Potts confirmed that this was a positive report overall but asked for information with regards to sickness levels and whether they had reduced since the implementation of recommendation no. 5.  The Strategic Manager, Safeguarding and Professional Practice confirmed that he would ensure the information was circulated to Members following the meeting.

Councillor Crute commented that it was important to continue the work to assist in prevention and to reinforce how important and valued a social workers role was.  Many were unable to comprehend the trauma social workers were often exposed to, child death was not an experience that you could expect someone to recover from quickly.  He referred to the review which took place ‘the role of a social worker from a child’s perspective’ and confirmed that it was important to track the progress and outcomes of children.

The Strategic Manager, Safeguarding and Professional Practice, confirmed that he continued to support the development of the overarching quality assurance framework and the voice of the child was critical in addition to data tracking.  The service would continue to engage and remained focused in improving the outcomes of children and families.

Councillor Batey asked whether welcome packs were provided in a digital format as for most young people, technology was essential and it was also more discreet.  The Strategic Manager, Safeguarding and Professional Practice, confirmed that it would take more time to develop but there was a fantastic video which had been produced.

Councillor Jewell commented on his experience as a member of the Fostering Panel and although it was positive that 40% of babies had been placed in their permanent home within 3 months, he queried the permanency of children who were subject to court proceedings as this could take months and would also mean they were not technically placed in their permanent home.  The Strategic Manager, Safeguarding and Professional Practice advised that assessments were robustly undertaken before birth and the placements had not been ratified in court but there was a focus on a permanent plan.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.