Agenda item

Prior to discussing the report, the CMR for Children and Families informed Members that since its publication, a national independent care review report, Case for Change, had been published. This independent review stated three key priorities including supporting families and the wider community, helping families stay together by building relationships and finally, keeping children safe. Cllr Roberts noted positively that Worcestershire were already implementing these priorities.

Cllr Roberts commented that the report discussed underlying prejudice experienced by those in care. He encouraged members to reflect on this and not to underestimate the challenge this presents to young people in care.

During consideration of the report, it was suggested that resources should be focused on the Supporting Families First approach as detailed in para 21. The approach aimed to assist families in remaining together as outcomes for children who are separated from their families are generally poorer than for those who remain with their families.

Members noted that it was Council’s responsibility to encourage people within the community to become foster carers. It was vital to ensure that children brought into the care system were provided with safe, secure homes.

Concerns were raised regarding the use of semi-independent homes located outside of the local authority. It was queried how the Council maintained communication and involvement with these homes to tackle any problems when they arose. It was clarified that although these homes were not strictly under the supervision of the County Council, the Council may still intervene if issues arise.

It was noted that occasionally, children were required to be placed in private homes outside of the County at a cost to the Council. This became necessary if a young person had particular special requirement which could not be met by services within the County. 

The possibility of allocating new resources to kinship carers was discussed. The plans were under review as detailed in the report.

A non-member of Cabinet requested that local Councillors be kept informed when issues occur within homes in their division.  The Cabinet member commented that, due to the sensitive nature of the issues at homes, a cautious approach was taken over the information which was communicated. Additional effort would be made to engage with members in the future regarding such matters, providing that this did not compromise the safety of children.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:

a)    Noted the Sufficiency Strategy as approved by the Board of Worcestershire Children First and the evidence base contained in it for the policy approach to achieving the legal duty;

b)   Noted the success and expansion of the Edge of Care service and the growing demand for good quality local semi-independent accommodation;

c)    Agreed to cease operating Green Hill Lodge as a children’s home under its existing registration and agreed to the consideration of its future use being undertaken within the all age disability service development;

d)   Agreed to the proposed change in statement of purpose for Oak House to become a semi-independent provision;

e)    Agreed to cease operating Hill View as a semi-independent provision, and

f)     Following agreement of the recommendations (c) and (d) above, authorised the Director of Children’s Services to finalise the consultation documentation and undertake such consultation as was required.