Issue - meetings

The Committee considered performance management data for the Children and Families Service for February. It was advised that the number of CiC had increased over this period primarily due to the impact of a number of large families becoming looked after, although this was set against a general stabilisation observed over the longer term. It was advised that future performance reports would provide further breakdown of the 10-15 age classification for children coming into care owing to the complexities within this age range.

In response to a question about the impact of unaccompanied minors, it was advised that the general trend was a reduction in their numbers, More proactive work practices were also now in place including a weekly Gateway Panel considering cases at the point of referral to look at options other than coming into care including rehabilitation plans etc.

In considering the ethnic classification of children entering care and whether further breakdown of groupings could be provided, it was advised that this risked diluting the interpretation of data as a significant proportion of children had complex heritage. It was agreed that a more detailed breakdown of ethnicity data relating to CiC be provided to the Committee on a quarterly basis in order to help monitor demographic trends across the borough. Clarification was also sought on the Council’s approach to adoption with regards to recent press coverage highlighting the poorer adoption outcomes for black children. The Deputy Director confirmed that the fundamental consideration in relation to adoption remained what was in the best interest of the child and the imperative of ensuring the stability of placements. Adoption was a complex area with a number of compounding factors including age, family grouping etc. Ethnicity was considered in a broad way in reflection of the importance of ensuring the cultural needs of the child were met and was also discussed regularly at Consortium meetings.

In relation to the children missing from care, confirmation was provided that monitoring arrangements were in place for frequent absconders. The Committee asked for further information on how occupancy was monitored at the borough’s residential homes, particularly in relation to the impact of frequent absconders. It was agreed that the Chair and Deputy Director would give consideration to the most appropriate format for this to be submitted to the Committee.