Agenda item

The Panel received the quarterly update report presented by Helen McAloon, Strategy Officer (for copy of report and presentation, see file of minutes).

Summarising key areas of performance, the Strategy Officer highlighted that the north east continued to have the highest number of children in care. The number of unaccompanied asylum seeking young people in care had reduced from 74 in December with 19 of those young people turning 18 and becoming care leavers. The number of children coming into care and leaving care continued to align more closely than in previous months. During 2024, there had been a slight increase in children under the age of 9 coming into care and numbers in the 10-17 age cohort had reduced.

The number of young people in foster placement had reduced however the figure remained in line with benchmarks and the number of children in a family setting had increased.

With regard to missing from home, there was a slight increase in missing episodes for December however the number of children going missing had not changed which indicated an increase in the number of missing incidents per child.  The percentage of return home interviews completed within 72 hours had increased to approximately 96%.

Referring to care leavers, the Strategy Officer explained that an increasing proportion of unaccompanied asylum seeking young people required care leaver support. 95%  of young people aged 17-21 were in suitable accommodation. The proportion of care leavers in education, employment or training aged 17-18 was at 65% which was in line with the north east average, however, this was below the England average. For those aged 19-21, the percentage was 49% which was below benchmarks.  The number of initial and review health assessments completed within timescales stood at 69% and 85% respectively.

Cory asked for clarification on the definition of unsuitable accommodation.   Officers explained that custody and temporary accommodation, for example, bed and breakfast were classed as unsuitable accommodation.  Secure accommodation was also classed as ‘unsuitable’ and whilst secure accommodation was of a very high standard, it was not the Council’s preferred choice of accommodation for children in our care.

Cory observed that the percentage of 19-21 year olds in education, employment or training continued to decrease and he asked what action was being taken to support young people.  The Head of Early Help, Inclusion and Vulnerable Children informed Cory that a detailed presentation was given by the Head of Progression and Learning at the previous meeting and he offered to link Cory with the Head of Progression and Learning, for further information.

Councillor Deinali asked whether there was a set criterion for the standard of suitable accommodation. Officers clarified that suitability was based on a range of factors and the Staying Close team worked with young people who had tenancy agreements. Young people were offered wrap-around support when moving into supported accommodation and care leavers were entitled to a Setting Up Home Allowance. Young People’s Advisors also provided assistance to young people to purchase furniture to set up their homes.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.