Agenda item

This report enables the Committee to review and assess the performance of Children’s Services across a number of key performance indicators.

(a)  Councillor Sue Lent (Cabinet Member, Early Years, Children & Families and Deputy Leader) will be in attendance and may wish to make a statement;

(b)  Tony Young (Director, Social Services) and Officers from the Social Services Directorate will introduce the briefing  be available to answer any questions members may have; and

(c)   Questions from Committee Members

The way forward for this item will be considered at the end of the meeting.

Tony Young Director of Social Services remained present for this item.

The report provided the Committee with the performance information for the third quarter of 2016/17.  Members may wish to question the Officer on the performance as well as the management actions to tackle areas of poor performance.

The Committee was advised that Performance during Quarter 3 was mixed with improvements in some key areas.  Major changes had taken place with the introduction of the MASH (Multi Agency Support Hub) and the introduction of the Social Services and Wellbeing Act.  Good progress being recorded and the workforce was beginning to stabilise.

Members of the Committee were advised there were no significant issues in relation to recruitment and retention.  Some slight issues with the recruitment of experienced staff had been an issue but this was reflected nationally.

The Committee received information on Young Adults and Looked After Children.  The cost issue of “out of county placements” was discussed and the current locations being used.

It was recognised there were issues in relation to “out if county” placements and the challenge to bring children closer to their families.  One of the main drivers was to ensure that a child was appropriately placed and maintained an appropriate level of contact with their families.

The Committee discussed the process in place for dealing with the transition once a child reached the age of 18.  Provision was available to support this, however it was recognised that fewer children required this facility.

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