Agenda item

The Corporate Equality and Strategy Manager presented performance for the final quarter of 2021-22 (for copy of report and presentation see file of minutes). 

It was reported that 982 young people were in care at the end of the quarter which represented an increase on the same period last year.  Whilst the number of children becoming looked after had returned to pre-COVID levels, a reduction in the number of children leaving care was reported, with delays to adoption proceedings.  Placement stability had been impacted by older children being more susceptible to placement breakdowns. Referring to the 35% increase in the number of 14-17 year olds, the Strategy Manager explained the figure reflected the number of young people staying in care for longer. 

In response to an observation that only 60% of children in care were undergoing an Initial Health Assessment within the target of 20 working days of the young person becoming looked after, the Panel noted that the paediatric team had suffered particularly badly from Covid related sickness absence, which had been unexpected and led to clinic delays.  It was clarified that a number of health assessments were falling short of the target by only one or two days and the Head of Children’s Social Care explained the assessment process requires consent from the person/s with parental responsibility which may be a cause of delay.  Karen Watson, Designated Nurse for Safeguarding Children informed the Panel that staffing levels had returned to normal and catch-up clinics were being held.

Resolved:

That the report and presentation be noted.