Agenda item

The Panel received a report and presentation delivered by Deb Loraine, Service Manager on activity and developments within the Supporting Solutions, Edge of Care and Family Group Conferencing Service from April 2022 to March 2023 (for copy of report and presentation see file of minutes). 

The Service Manager provided details of the various specialist areas within the Supporting Solutions Service.  The Panel noted that factors leading young people to be on the edge of care were often cross-cutting issues such as mental health, homelessness and risk of exploitation. 

The service recognised the increasing number of young people entering care, with complex needs, who require specialist support.  Following a pilot of interventions available to younger children, this offer of support is now available to young people aged 7 to 11.  Plans for the future aim to create a multi-agency team to provide accommodation options and outreach support to children, young people and their families.

The Panel noted the good outcomes for young people supported by the service during the year. 

Outcomes for young people open to Supporting Solutions were also positive with 83% of young people open to the service being supported to remain at home, either with family or in long-term placements.

The Service Manager explained that Family Group Conferencing supported families to establish a sustainable plan to meet the needs of children and young people within their family unit.  Details were also provided of a recent piece of work on a national bid for a lifelong links programme to build positive, lasting support networks for young people.  More information on the progress of the bid would be provided in due course.

In response to a question from the Vice-Chair who referred to the table at paragraph 32 of the report and asked what the outcome was for the child shown as ‘other’, the officer agreed to refer the question to the author of the report for clarification to be provided.  Following the meeting, the Service Manager clarified that this related to a review that was held for an unborn baby and at the time, outcome/assessments from the court were awaited, prior to baby being born.

Resolved:

That the report and presentation be noted.