Agenda item

(a)       That the Inspection Report by Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) on the Inspection carried out between 24 March 2014 and 27 March 2014 and resulting action plan be noted;

(b)       That the Fieldwork Service Manager would liaise with the Resources Service Manager to arrange an out of county visit for members; and

(b)       That a progress report be provided to the Committee in six months time

Mr. Ray Dickson, Fieldwork Service Manager, introduced a report on the Inspection Report by Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) on the Inspection carried out between 24 March and 27 March 2014, into Safeguarding and Care Planning of Looked After Children and Care Leavers who exhibit vulnerable and risky behaviours and the resulting Action Plan.

The Fieldwork Service Manager, provided background information and outlined the aim of the national inspection.  He advised that the Inspection had focussed on the work undertaken with looked after children over eleven years of age and care leavers who were identified as being vulnerable and/or involved in risky behaviours, against defined criteria.  

The Fieldwork Service Manager, explained that there were five questions that the Inspectors posed which resulted in positives and areas for improvements.  Significantly there had been positive feedback on Corporate Parenting and Elected Members.  Safeguarding had been correctly identified as a priority for all staff and  child protection processes were being used effectively.  Concerning the issue of sexual exploitation the report recorded that agencies were working well together, especially in relation to missing young people and child sexual exploitation.  The Report was complimentary in relation to the reviewing system for Looked After Children stating that Flintshire was compliant with guidance and reviews were timely and updated accordingly.  Importantly it was reported that social workers were making strong efforts to ensure that young people understood their lives and were empowered to represent their views in the care planning process.  The Fieldwork Service Manager, advised that a number of areas for improvement had been identified and an action plan to address the work required was appended to the report.   

Referring to the CSSIW Report, Councillor Davie Mackie commented that he disliked the use of bullet points in the report and asked if they could be removed.  He explained that they did not assist in identifying between the areas for improvement and the Action Plan.

Councillor Hilary McGuill referred to the role of Corporate Parents in relation to Out of County Placements and expressed the need for face to face communication with the young people concerned.    The Fieldwork Service Manager, responded to the concerns raised and advised that due to the increase in Foster Care placements there were less out of county placements than in previous years.  During discussion it was agreed that the Fieldwork Service Manager would liaise with the Resources Service Manager to arrange an out of county visit for members.

Referring to the Action Plan and the timescale for addressing the action concerning the perceived gaps in the Homeless Protocol relating to LAC and Care Leavers, Councillor McGuill commented that she would expect the action to be completed sooner than April 2015.  The  Fieldwork Service Manager, gave reassurance that work was well underway and it was anticipated that the action would be completed earlier than April 2015.  It was agreed that an update on progress would be provided to a future meeting of the Committee.

Councillor Hilary Isherwood referred to CAMHS and expressed concerns around the action concerning the delay in accessing Mental Health Services.  Councillor Andy Dunbobbin also  expressed concern on the length of delay and commented on the damage that could be caused to a child before he/she came into the Authorities care.  The Fieldwork Service Manager, responded to the concerns raised and advised that an appointment had been made to specifically address the needs of Looked After Children.  Councillor Hilary McGuill asked for clarification regarding funding for the post.  The Fieldwork Service Manager confirmed that the post was ongoing. 

It was agreed that a further performance report would be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee to show an improved overview.

Resolved:

 (a)      That the Inspection Report by Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) on the Inspection carried out between 24 March 2014 and 27 March 2014 and resulting action plan be noted;

(b)       That the Fieldwork Service Manager would liaise with the Resources Service Manager to arrange an out of county visit for members; and

(b)       That a progress report be provided to the Committee in six months time