Agenda item

The Team Manager of the Full Circle Service provided an update on the service (for copy of presentation see file). 

The Panel heard that the therapeutic service which consists of a team of therapeutically trained social workers was formed in 1995, to support the mental health needs of children and young people, particularly those who have experienced trauma through neglect and abuse.  The Team Manager explained how trauma in early years may have a significant impact on brain development which can last well into adulthood. The team works closely with social work teams and multi-agency work is also carried out.  Over the years, the service has developed a respected reputation, providing consultation to families, foster carers and a wide range of professionals.

Direct therapeutic support is undertaken where appropriate and a large amount of training is carried out including the delivery of workshops on attachment and trauma and related care planning issues. The service also offers support and training to education staff including designated teachers to help them gain a better understand of the impact of trauma.  The offer has recently been extended to children and young people who are in the care of neighbouring authorities but who are placed within County Durham. 

The Team Manager said it was pleasing to see that the recent inspection carried out by Ofsted in July recognised the support provided by the service and the role it plays in supporting social workers with their plans for children and young people.

The Strategic Manager for the First Contact and Specialist Countywide Service commented on how proud she is of the team and added that the Team Manager who had begun her career as a support worker was an exemplar of how the service values and encourages its staff to maximise their opportunities. She drew parallels with the comments made earlier in the meeting with regard to the importance of peer mentoring. 

The Vice-Chair asked whether the staff work exclusively for the Full Circle Service and the Team Manager informed the Panel that there are 6 full time, 1 part time and 1 temporary therapeutic social workers and all staff work exclusively for the therapeutic service. 

Councillor Bainbridge referred to the 593 referrals in 2020-21 and asked how the figure compares with previous years.  The Team Manager explained that the number of referrals had increased since 2018 and additional investment at that time led to the recruitment of an additional three therapeutic social workers. Referrals have remained steady over recent years with a number of enquiries being one-off consultations and requests for initial advice and guidance which may lead to accessing training. The service has recently increased their offer and a fuller range of interventions is available. 

The Virtual School Head commented on the close partnership with the Full Circle, with all designated teachers including those who are outside of the area and who care for Durham children looked after, having access to the training provided by the Full Circle.  This is useful to inform behaviour policies which may need to be adapted in light of trauma experienced. The feedback from schools confirms that the advice line provided by the Full Circle which is available until 1.00 pm per day is a very valuable resource.

Cllr Henderson, Portfolio Holder for the Children and Young People’s Service thanked all the officers for their attendance at the meeting, acknowledging the time it takes for the preparation of reports and presentations.

He also expressed appreciation to all the officers working hard behind the scenes to bring these reports before the Panel.