Agenda item

The Panel considered a performance update and presentation from Stephen Tracey, Corporate Equalities and Strategy manager (for copy see file of minutes). 

The Corporate Equalities and Scrutiny Manager referred to the rise in the number of children and he pointed out that although the figure has increased by 50, there had been a 25 % reduction in the number of children becoming looked after and a 50% reduction in the number of children ending their time in care, therefore more children had remained in care for longer, during the pandemic.  The pandemic had also had an impact with regard to fewer hospital and dental appointments and this had led to a slight dip in performance relating to the number of health and dental assessments being carried out.  Outcomes for care leavers had improved during the period with two-thirds of care leavers being in education, employment or training and only a very small number of care leavers are not in suitable accommodation.

Councillor Jopling congratulated the service on their performance, in particular in relation to suitable accommodation and asked if any young people were known to be sleeping rough. The Head of Children’s Social Care confirmed that no young people looked after were sleeping rough and bed and breakfast accommodation is used only in very exceptional circumstances.  She pointed out that the data includes a small number of young people in custody.

Councillor C Wilson asked about unaccompanied asylum seeking young people and she asked how they are cared for.  The Head of Children’s Social Care replied that, as soon as the Council becomes the responsible authority for those young people, they are cared for in the same way as all other children looked after, with access to the same accommodation and support.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.