Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Committee endorse the proposed opening of the new unit on 12 September 2012 (subject to registration with CSSIW) which will provide an additional resource to meet the needs of children/young people with a range of complex health, social and learning disabilities; and

(b)       That the Committee recognise the value of support and provision for this group of children/young people. 

The Head of Social Services for Children introduced a report to advise and inform Members of the progress of the shortbreak service at Arosfa which will aim to provide respite care to children with disabilities in the age range 8 to 18 years. 

                        She said that she was pleased to present the report to Members and said that the budget would offer a three bedded facility for 350 days per year compared to the current placement opening for 240 days with two beds.  The original intent of a six bedded unit had been suspended pending future budget settlements. 

                        The Director of Community Services endorsed what had been said and added that he had been delighted to support the Head of Social Services for Children in taking the proposal forward.  He said that he hoped that Members would be keen to visit the unit when it opened.  The Chair agreed that the unit was welcomed and said that it would help to improve the Out of County Placement budget. 

                        Councillor R.J.T. Guest paid tribute to the Director, the Head of Social Services for Children and the Service Manager for the work they had undertaken.  He spoke of the history of the unit and of the problems which had been encountered.  He asked that his thanks be passed on to Ian Jones from the Environment Directorate for the help he had provided.  In response the Director said that there had been some concerns from local residents but that it had been recognised that these had been addressed and worked through and it was positive that the project had moved forward quickly. 

                        In response to a question from Councillor D. Evans, the Head of Social Services for Children said that the two bedded facility at Cornel Clyd which was not owned by the Council but was leased was to close and would be replaced by this unit.   

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee endorse the proposed opening of the new unit on 12 September 2012 (subject to registration with CSSIW) which will provide an additional resource to meet the needs of children/young people with a range of complex health, social and learning disabilities; and

(b)       That the Committee recognise the value of support and provision for this group of children/young people.