Agenda item

This report provides an analysis of the performance data and trends for an agreed set of measures relating to looked after children on behalf of the Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee.

The Committee considered this report which provided an analysis of the performance data and trends for an agreed set of measures relating to looked after children on behalf of the Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee.

Beverley Hendricks took the Committee through the report as set out. In addition, the following was highlighted:

·         Regarding children in care, the Committee was assured that their needs were being met. It was acknowledged that there are some challenges with the data, which is continually being worked on. It was noted that at the close of business on 2^nd July 2019, there were a total of 427 children in care. 

·         In relation to unaccompanied asylum seeker children, it was projected that Haringey would have 2 new asylum seeker children per month, but it turned out to be 8 new unaccompanied asylum seeker children at the end of the month. In the last few months, 6 age assessments were undertaken that determined young people as adults. There are currently, 6 age assessments outstanding. The main issues to health for the unaccompanied asylum seeker children include accessing GPs, emergency health and infectious disease. The service were working closely to make sure young people are accessing services as soon as possible and ensuring young people are kept as local as possible.

·         The Chair commented positively on the amount of placement orders in relation to the total population of Children in Care (2.4 at page 8). The Chair highlighted that 27 placement orders out of a population of 424 was a great achievement. 

·         Regarding 2.5 at page 8, it was highlighted that the Care Plan target was being achieved.

Following discussion it was noted that:

·         In response to safeguarding concerns, particularly around some secondary age individuals at primary school, Officers mentioned that it could happen, but it was noted that there were certain criteria that need to be followed through casework and legislation, which means that until the age assessment was accepted, the needs of the child had to be responded to.

·         In terms of networks and links, it was mentioned that there are plans to create a hub in the service to look at what the Service can do alongside charities.

·         Regarding unaccompanied asylum seeker children, The Chair recommended for there to be a more focused report on this area, such as some slides, and have an extensive discussion on the subject matter at the next CPAC meeting on 15^th October 2019, including the point raised by the Committee Member on funding and whether there is a London-wide strategy on funding. Officers agreed (Action: Beverley Hendricks/Ann Graham).

·         In regard to FGM, Officers advised that the data was based on referrals received. If there was evidence of FGM then mandatory reporting was required and it would be treated as a crime against the child.

·         The Chair enquired the definition of ‘suitable’ as set out in 2.15 page 10. In response, the Assistant Director for Safeguarding and Social Care clarified that it around work to identify accommodation to ensure it matches the needs of young people.

·         Regarding apprenticeship opportunities, the Director of Children’s Services will request the Assistant Director for Economic Development and Growth to include this on the strategy for vulnerable young people. Officers noted that Homes for Haringey have apprenticeship schemes for young people, and there was a strategy being developed around apprenticeships. It was mentioned that there may me a cohort that may not be interested apprenticeships due to high grades, and it was a matter of encouraging the cohort that had not reached the high grades that may be interested in apprenticeships.

·         Regarding the Children Looked After placement table on page 17, the Chair raised concerns on costs considering there at 40 children in Children’s Homes and 39 in Residential accommodation. The Director of Children’s Services confirmed that that area was being continually monitored and reviewed on a regular basis.

·         In relation to the average length of time for children to move to adoption, Officers explained that it could take up to 9 months to a year to place child in adoption. The Director of Children’s Services added that there were some challenging cases, for example it could take 14 months for an adoption to go through.

·         The Assistant Director for Safeguarding and Social Care confirmed that space within homes was a challenge. Officers noted that one initiative to address this issue was establishing a group of foster carers in house and identifying which homes can be adapted to create extra rooms. It was hoped that by October 2019, 3 households will have extra rooms to take in more children. In addition to extending homes, Officers mentioned that loans were also provided, but there was governance on that.