The Panel received a report which provided an
analysis of the performance data and trends for an agreed set of
measures relating to looked after children. It was noted that the
report covered the 4th quarter of the year 2023/24 with
updates for April & May 2024 where appropriate. The report was
introduced by Beverley Hendricks, AD for Safeguarding and Social
Care as set out in the agenda pack at pages 83-90. The following
arose during the discussion of this report:
- In relation
to the table at paragraph 4.5 of the report (comparing the primary
need of CLA starters), the Panel requested that future reports
provide some comparative data showing trend/movement of travel, so
that Members can see how it compares to previous years. (Action:
Beverley/Richard).
- In relation
to a question about care plans, officers advised that 77% of
children had an up to date care plan against a target of 85%.
Officers advised that there were a number of reasons why
performance on this indicator was below target. One of the reasons
was around a lack of availability to have the care plan updated in
the required timeframe. Officers also advised that the
implementation of the new Liquid Logic system had a negative impact
on the timeliness of being able to upload care plans. It was noted
that these problems had been resolved and improvements were
expected in the next report.
- In response
to a question about sickness and vacancy rates, officers advised
that they had taken a decision to have very low vacancy rates in
the team and that meant that if there were staffing shortages, then
agency staff would be used fill gaps.
- In relation
to pathway plans, officers advised that performance was affected by
the same issues detailed above for care plans. If performance was
low, this would have a knock on effect on agency staffing
figures.
- The Director
advised that she would include some more narrative in the next
report to explain some of the factors involved with the performance
around care plans. (Action: Ann Graham).
- The Director
commented that in essence, she took the view that it was more
important to prioritise the quality of care plans over having all
of them done on time to a lower standard.
- In response
to a questions about under-performance against the target for
Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) and the extent to
which this related to delays in processing by the Home Office,
officers advised that this related to children at 18 becoming care
leavers. Previously, it was possible to apply pressure to the Home
Office for timely processing of these applications along with cases
involving people with No Recourse to Public Funds. However, since
Covid the Home Office had been less willing to engage. The AD
Safeguarding and Social Care advised that she was looking to meet
with officials from the Home Office to discuss the
matter.
- Officers also
advised the Panel that delays to the UASC indicator also related to
the National Transfer scheme. Haringey like some other authorities
was meeting its quota and was willing to take additional cases from
other authorities that were struggling, however this still did not
result in Haringey meeting its central government set target.
Officers commented that there was clearly a problem with the system
if Haringey took all the cases it was asked to, and was even taking
additional cases, but still couldn’t meet the target. The
Director reiterated that the service was very keen for all the
young people that should come here, do so. The issue was historical
and complicated. Previously the targets were 0.07% of the number of
children in care. London as a region was doing better than most,
the government sought to transport children across the country.
This resulted in the target becoming 0.01%. The DCS advised that as
and when the picture settled down, Haringey may meet the 0.01% in
time.
RESOLVED
Noted