Agenda item

The Corporate Equality and Strategy Manager, Stephen Tracey, provided an update on performance during the final quarter of the year in relation to children in our care and care leavers (for copy of report and presentation, see file of minutes).

The Panel heard that whilst the number of children in our care had increased since the same period last year, activity had slowed over the past six months. 

The number of initial health assessments completed within 20 working days had decreased however performance in relation to new health assessments had improved.  The Corporate Equality and Strategy Manager highlighted that the majority of children looked after were fostered, within in-house provision. In respect of placement stability, there had been a slight increase in the number of young people having three or more placements within one year and this was slightly higher than the national average. 

The Corporate Equality and Strategy Manager corrected data within the report, informing the Panel that the number of children in our care with a missing incident was approximately 12% and the number of missing incidents per children in our care who went missing was approximately 6%, which was broadly in line with last year’s figures. The number of missing episodes had decreased over the previous six months.

The number of unaccompanied asylum seeker children in our care had increased in recent years, many of whom had transferred to the care leavers service and 50 care leavers were recorded as UASC when first referred.  Performance relating to suitable accommodation compared favourably with statistical neighbours. The number of young people in education, employment and training was low compared with previous data, with some being NEET (not in education, employment or training) due to pregnancy, parenting, illness or disability.

Councillor Walton referred to care leavers who had chosen not to use the service and she asked if they could re-engage with the service, should the situation arise. Officers explained that the service continued to contact young people who decided not to engage, three times per year, to inform them of the local offer and they could re-engage with the service.  The ‘Always Here’ policy provided signposting and advice for young people over the age of 25. In addition, information on young people who decided not to engage with direct services was regularly reviewed for indicators which may suggest that a young person may benefit from the offer of support.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.