Agenda item

The Panel received a presentation from the Strategic Manager for Looked After and Permanenceon actions taken in response to issues raised by young people at the joint CICC/CPP meeting held on 19 October (for copy of presentation see file of minutes).  

During the presentation, the Strategic Manager explained that the three main issues raised were support for care leavers, family time and stigma and discrimination.  In addition, the Service Improvement Manager updated the Panel that the service is working on an additional feedback system for young people looked after and their families. Work with the Children in Care Council had found that an increasing number of young people are requesting access to their own records and more work will be undertaken to assist young people to gain a better understanding of accessing their own records and to ensure they have the right support in place with regard to this.

Referring to the steps taken in respect of improvements to family time arrangements, Councillor Miller commented that he was pleased to see the Service had taken steps to explain the COVID rules and he acknowledged the added pressure this would have placed on looked after young people and their families and carers.  With regard to the transport offer, Councillor Miller expressed disappointment that Bishop Auckland college is the only college not to offer a bus pass and he asked if more could be done to encourage the college to participate in the scheme. Councillor Miller added his view that bus passes should be available to young people at all times, not only term-times, and he asked that this issue be reviewed.

Councillor Miller updated the Panel that he had visited the family time centre at Bishop Auckland and he complimented the staff and expressed the opinion that the facilities could be improved.  Councillor Miller spoke in support of the establishment of a Care Experienced Scrutiny Committee, however, he emphasised the importance that issues raised there should also be reported to the Corporate Parenting Panel. 

Councillor Coult referred to the ‘all time’ top-up bus pass and asked how long the offer was expected to last. The Strategic Manager for Looked After and Permanence explained this was likely to continue until the summer term and was subject to review. 

Commenting on the waiting time for driving lessons, Councillor Coult asked whether the Service could link with companies to request block bookings.  The Strategic Manager for Looked After and Permanence responded that the procurement team are involved, however, there is a general lack of availability of driving lessons and tests nationally, following COVID-19.

In relation to school governors being asked to raise the profile of care experienced young people, the Head of the Virtual School explained that each school’s designated governor for children looked after meets with designated teachers to ensure children looked after receive the best education.  In addition, the Children Looked After Policy outlines the role of the designated governor for children looked after.  

Councillor Charlton expressed concern at the lack of representation on the Panel and its sub-groups from Academies.  The Head of the Virtual School responded that, under the Government’s plans for Academisation, it was likely that representation from Academies will increase in the future.

Heather McFarlane, Designated Nurse for Safeguarding Children, referred to the meetings held with community midwives and asked whether the discussions centred around their community or hospital experience.  The Strategic Manager for Looked After and Permanence replied that the young people discussed their community experience and concerns were raised that simply being a care experienced young person was the reason for referral as a ‘vulnerable parent’.  The Designated Nurse responded that knowledge of the young person’s care experience helps to inform the support required, however, she expressed concern at the young people’s perceptions, adding that it would be useful to hold further meetings in order to improve understanding.  In response to a question from Councillor Hunt as to the support in place for young parents, the Strategic Manager for Looked After and Permanence explained that support is very much tailored to the individual young person.

Councillor Walton thanked officers for the comprehensive report adding that it addressed many of the issues that had been discussed at recent Corporate Parenting Panel meetings.  She commented that she had received very positive feedback from PCSOs on the impact of the training delivered by the young people of the Children in Care Council. 

Referring to the review of family time locations, Councillor Walton asked if there was a timeframe for the changes to be implemented.  The Strategic Manager for Looked After and Permanence replied that there was no specific timeframe, however, there would be no detriment to the family time experience as the review included a move towards using additional, less formal, locations where appropriate, as well as virtual family time, using a range of platforms.

Councillor Bainbridge asked Caitlyn and Luke if they were satisfied with the ‘You Said, We Did’ actions. The young people responded that they were pleased to see that a great deal of positive changes were underway, that they were looking forward to future progress and they thanked the Panel for their engagement.  They added that, at the Children in Care Council meetings, the young people talked about how well the Panel had listen and responded to their concerns.