Agenda item

Claire Morris, Strategic Manager for Looked After Children Resources, presented the Residential Services Update report which provided an overview of Durham County Council’s in-house children’s residential care provision including the plans for future development (for copy see file of minutes).

With regard to a question from Councillor Grant as how blockage can be avoided in respite provision, the Strategic Manager responded that the provision is not available seven days per week and the provision is outcome focused and managed around the needs of the young people for example, respite may only be required for particular days of the week, or, for a short time during school holidays.

It was agreed that the Changing Lives video would be circulated to the panel, by email, following the meeting.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

Members discussed the following questions in groups and a note was taken of their discussion.

•       What could we as members do to support the tenth home in advance of it opening?

•       How could we get our communities to better support our homes and integrate the young people into the local communities?

•       How can we help share the positive achievements and stories from the young people who live in our homes?