Issue - meetings

To consider specified performance data for CiC.

The Committee considered a report setting out the February performance monitoring data in relation to CiC within the Children and Families service.

The number of children in care had continued to rise and stood at 560 as at the end of February. Details of the number of children who went missing during February were noted. Also the Committee were advised that only 5 CiC did not have an allocated social worker at the end of February. The number of cases reviewed in the required timescales was noted, together with the number of adoptions and special guardianship orders made in the year to date.

As requested at the previous meeting Members received a breakdown by age of the number of CIC who had received health assessments and dental checks over the previous 12 months. Members expressed concern over the low numbers of 6-10 year olds who had an up to date health assessment and dental check.

In response to a previous request the Committee was advised that of the 247 over 10 year olds in care, 28 had offended of which 9 lived in Haringey. It was noted that more analysis was needed in order to provide details of those that had re-offended. Although there had been difficulties in the past with obtaining accurate data this had now been addressed.  It was pleasing to note that there were no live ASBO’s involving children in care. Members were concerned that information needed to be available on the offending records of CiC, whether or not they were living in the borough. It was important that this was recorded on Frameworki.

Members noted that the figures for NI61 – CiC adopted to date was likely to have been affected by the increased volume of care proceedings going to court and consequent pressures on court time.

RESOLVED:

1. That the next meeting receive a report with case examples of both in and out of borough placements and how the children and young people’s service worked with the Youth offending service.
2. That the next meeting receive a report on the offending and re-offending records of CiC
3. That  officers confirm the reasons for the lower than expected figures for CiC being adopted.
4. That the next meeting receive a report on the number of young people leaving care in education, training or employment.