Agenda item

Performance Update Quarter 3 - Report of Corporate Director of Resources

Minutes:

The Panel received a report of the Corporate Director of Resources which provided an overview of performance in relation to children looked after and care leavers (for copy of report and presentation see file).

 

Stephen Tracey, Corporate Equality and Strategy Manager delivered the presentation highlighting key areas of performance. 

 

He explained the trend prior to the pandemic was a steady increase in the total number of looked after children. Since then, numbers increased due to delays in legal proceedings which had led to more young people staying in care. 

 

In terms of composition, the number of children coming into care under the age of 1 had decreased whilst there had been an increase in the number of young people entering care over the age of 16.  The total number of children looked after is higher than the national average but remains below regional and statistical neighbours. In terms of placements, the number of young people placed in external residential care had increased.  The number of children placed outside of the county had increased slightly, however, the figure was below the national average.   With regard to placement stability, the number of young people subject to three or more placement moves during a year had increased. 

 

In response to a question from Councillor Coult, the Equality and Strategy Manager explained the decrease in the number of under 1s entering care and the increase in the number of young people aged 16 entering care, brings additional placement pressures. The increase in the number of looked after children placed in Secure Accommodation had seen a slight increase which was being monitored.

 

Councillor Walton expressed concern at the number of young people experiencing placement breakdowns with older children more likely to experience placement breakdown.  She asked if this was an indication that increased support is required for foster carers, to help them manage the challenges posed by teenagers.  The Strategic Manager for Children Looked After and Resources acknowledged the need to target resources into the training of foster carers to ensure they have support at the earliest stages to prepare them for the challenges ahead. 

 

Councillor Gunn highlighted that the increase in the number of children subject to three or more placement moves in one year had been raised as an issue by the young people themselves.  The Professional Practice Manager informed the Panel that her role includes to undertake a monthly audit of children coming into care, to investigate their individual circumstances.  

 

Resolved:

 

That the report be noted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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