Agenda item

Robert Johnson, Project Manager, delivered a presentation which updated the Panel on recent activities carried out by the Children in Care Council (for copy of presentation see file of minutes).

The Project Manager explained the young people have continued to connect with the Corporate Parenting Panel, remotely, throughout the pandemic, and, during the summer the young people highlighted a national campaign which aims to challenge the stigma and negative stereotypes that some people associate with being in care.  The young people considered this was so important that it should be brought to the attention of the Corporate Parenting Panel who could highlight this at a more local level.  The young people suggested that the Corporate Parenting Panel could assist by reviewing positive news stories with the Children in Care Council on a regular basis, and they would also like to see more positive promotion of children looked after through platforms such as the foster carer recruitment campaign and the Children in Care Council newsletter. 

Councillor Milburn asked the Programme Manager whether the Children in Care Council promote through Durham County Council’s media and communications team.  The Programme Manager confirmed that the media team does promote the work of the Children in Care Council and they do gain recognition, for example, the Children’s Commissioner for England had retweeted a poem written by one of the young people.  However, in addition to media coverage, the young people would also like Corporate Parenting Panel members to continue to promote them within their wards.

Councillor Considine commented that she would be more than happy to share the Children in Care Council’s magazine and she suggested that it may be beneficial if the magazine could be distributed with the County Durham News magazine which is circulated to every household in County Durham, thereby maximising its circulation.

Acknowledging how difficult the months during the pandemic have been for young people, Councillor Tucker asked if the young people had received additional mental health support.  The Head of Children’s Social Care informed the Panel that the service has continued to provide mental health services, and, therapeutic support through the Full Circle, and, in addition there is work being done to develop peer support to encourage young people to support each other.  The service has found the pandemic has been very much an individual experience with some young people embracing the use of online and digital platforms and some finding that remaining in foster care, or, in their children’s homes for longer than anticipated, a very positive experience.

Councilor Tucker asked what support is available to help young people gain employment and whether vetting of prospective employers takes place.  The Head of Children’s Social Care explained that a dedicated team of officers prepare young people for the transition into further education or employment.  She added there are approximately 30 older children looked after in higher education, and the service is aware of how challenging the COVID-19 pandemic is going to prove with regard to employment opportunities and this will continue to be a priority.

The Project Manager concluded his item by paying tribute to the Young People’s Service including the Young People’s Advisers, saying the support they had provided throughout the pandemic, had been invaluable.