Agenda item

To receive the Inspection Report on Cardiff’s Children’s Services following the inspection in January 2016.

(a)  Lead Inspector Pam Clutton will introduce the report and be available to answer questions;

(b)  Questions from Committee Members;

(c)   Councillor Sue Lent (Cabinet member for Early Years, Children & Families and Deputy Leader), together with Tony Young (Director Social Services) will respond to the Inspection Report; 

(d)  Questions from Committee Members

The Chairperson welcomed Pam Clutton, Lead Inspector CSSIW, Councillor Sue Lent (Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children & Families and Deputy Leader) and Tony Young (Director, Social Services) to the meeting. 

Pam Clutton, on behalf of the Care & Social Services Inspectorate Wales (‘CSSIW’) presented the report, a copy of which was published (pages 13 – 39) with the agenda.

The inspection by CSSIW took place in January 2016, the purpose of which was to look at the access arrangements for children and young people and their families who were either referred for care and support or where information was received about children’s well-being. 

The inspection focussed on five themes:

• Providing direction;
• Delivering Social Services;
• Shaping Services;
• Access Arrangements; and
• Assessment Care Management.

The Committee were advised that as a result of the inspection it was clear that there were a number of positives, although there were, as the report detailed, a number of areas for improvement.  The implementation of the recommendations would be monitored, and unless any thematic issues were identified there would be no need for a re-inspection.

The Committee was invited to comment, raise questions or seek clarification on the information received.  Those discussions are summarised as follows:

• The Committee felt that the positive theme of the report was encouraging and should be conveyed to staff.

• Members queried whether Social Workers and the Police had enough information about the high level of incidents of domestic violence and abuse and that Social Workers were sufficiently aware of the various voluntary groups and support agencies above to support families in the early stage of their relationships.  The Committee were advised that some services previously available are no longer available – there is a gap not just in this area but nationally.

• Members were advised that it appears that the difficulties in recruitment of social workers seems to be decreasing. Local authorities have become less competitive.  Staff feel that the right support is important, for example managers who understand the pressures of workloads, who are able to give guidance and respond when concerns are raised.  It is clear that staff just want to do a good job. 

• Members noted concerns that the remodelling of the ‘front door’ services pose a risk to performance which will have to be monitored. Staff had mixed feelings about how priorities were to be decided and that common thresholds would be helpful. There needs to be better engagement with families, that engagement is key.

• Members were advised that whilst it was clear that there was a high level of confidence in the leadership of Director of Social Services staff felt that some of their knowledge and expertise could have been used in preparation for the implementation of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and the preventative strategy. 

• Members sought clarification as to whether it was the Inspectors or staff who were unclear as to how the demand for crucial support services was being met, with particular reference to families experiencing domestic violence and primary mental health care.  Members were advised that primary mental health care is a national issue; staff are aware of the demand and believe that if they are going to be able to deescalate the risk and intervene at an early stage there is a need for strong partnership working and further resources need to be identified.

• Members queried in what manner the feedback was obtained and were advised that it was made clear that information concerning personal circumstances was not required and that any information provided will not influence any outcome. 

• Members expressed concern that evidence that families signposted to support services as they were assessed as not meeting the threshold for a statutory service were frequently being re-referred to children’s services and that this was duplicating work for Social Workers with an already heavy workload.  Officers advised that with the introduction of the Early Help Strategy, the introduction of MASH and Families First the aim is for there to be a seamless transition between early help and intervention.

• Members discussed agile and mobile working, Officers indicated that staff are enthusiastic about both agile working and a move to County Hall where a lot of work has been undertaken to create a pleasant working environment, although concerns have been expressed about current car parking regulations at County Hall. 

AGREED:  That the Chairperson writes on the Committee’s behalf to the Cabinet Member and to CSSIW to convey their comments and observations.