Issue - meetings

To update members of Children in Care National indicators and other key performance information at the end of July 2010.

The Committee received an update of children in care National indicators and outcomes for 2010 together with targets for 2010/11 and other key performance information as at the end of July 10. The committee were asked to note that comparative data for 2009/10 would be published  in the Autumn and  with this  in mind there would also follow, to the next meeting,   information on the  full profile of regulated  services provided to children in the borough.

It was noted that there had been an increase to 621 children in care  as of 31 July 2010. Members noted that 33 children had become looked after and 18 children had  ceased to be looked after during July. Details of the number of care proceedings initiated both during July and over the previous 12 months was reported . The committee noted that there  had been  a 25% increase in care proceedings in Haringey  compared to this time last year. Although the national average of children in care had risen by 17% it was noted that the figure had risen by a greater amount in Haringey. Officers verbally reported that the numbers of looked after children had stabilized in August and September. The committee sought information on the timescales for court care  proceedings and asked whether the number of siblings involved had an impact on the length of the proceedings. Officers advised that in theory the number of siblings involved should not be a factor however there could be issues such as locating special guardian’s. There was an increasing concern about  delays in care proceedings and the Director of Children Services was seeking to initiate a meeting with the judiciary to discuss this urgent matter further. The Chair advised  officers of the need  collate information and data on delayed care proceedings in  readiness for any possible  Pan London investigation on this matter.

Details of the age and ethnic breakdown of placements across boroughs were noted.  The committee requested  that a further comparison  be made between the ethnic group numbers of LAC  against the ethnic breakdown of the borough  to  understand any possible correlations. Also, when considering the age ranges of LAC, it would be useful for the committee to understand the number of  children entering these categories that  were newly located in the borough. Officers provided information to the committee on the procedures followed for children with care plans moving to the borough with assurances given of the careful scrutiny given to care plans. The committee noted that previous assessments are reinitiated should the Social Worker feel that there is inadequate information provided. Discussion and information further followed on the knowledge the local authority has of children moving into the borough and what the usual channels are for receiving this information. The committee noted that only  children which have come into contact with other boroughs children’s services will be known to services when relocating.

The committee sought further assurances about the welfare of LAC when placing them outside of the borough. Officers advised the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17