Agenda item

Members discussed the Signs of Safety model which was implemented in Swansea and in Cardiff in early 2016, and noted that going forward there needs to be a change of practice; it is about working with families, taking risks and considering that as family what we can do to support them in their community.  It is important there is time to pause and reflect before making a decision to remove children from their families.

Members asked whether the authority has the capacity and resource to take that forward and were advised that a post has been created on a temporary basis with many years of experience who can help with understanding how the model will work, and to be able to work with both staff and families. Whilst the framework is in place, going forward it necessary to ensure that it works correctly.  

Members discussed the consultation on the first draft of the Child Exploitation Strategy and that it had been delayed.  Officers advised that it was important that the strategy was widened, it was necessary to include human trafficking, and criminal exploitation as they are all linked. In the spirit of the act both adults and children should be included.  Members noted that a working group is now pushing that strategy forward and that all stakeholders are now involved.  A draft of that strategy will be available at the beginning of next year.

Members were keen to be informed of the current thinking around the recruitment and retention of staff.  Officers advised that it is important that competition between authorities is stopped.  A cap needs to be put in place.  The authority is also looking at a number of other options: forging closer links with universities, so that placements and secondments can be offered; a plan to consider support social workers being seconded onto a Master’s degree; protected caseloads for those in their first year of practice and of course it is hoped that the financial offer can be increased.  It is accepted that working ‘at the front door’ is extremely stressful, but if there were more social workers and social work assistants there could be a lowering of the case load.

Members also noted that in adult services newly qualified social workers spend several months in the point of contact service which gives them a good ground before having their own case load and that something similar is being considered Children’s Services. 

Members noted that whilst the market supplement has been used previously it is important to address the root cause, namely there are not enough people coming into the Social Work but Welsh Government must inject some money into the system. 

Members queried whether the Council’s in house agency Cardiff Works could be expanded to cover Social Worker positions.  Members were advised that currently it is still a third cheaper to employ directly.

Members briefly discussed the budgetary pressures and were advised that it is important that money is invested in Children’s Services to get the necessary systems in place to ensure good outcomes for all children and young people