Decision details

The Service Development Officer provided Members with an update on the work being carried out by the Children Looked After Quality Assurance Panel, whose function is to ensure the right children and young people are being brought into the children looked after system and that those who can return home from care do so as soon as possible.

Members were advised that the unpredictability of demand for children and young people becoming looked after continues to pose a key financial risk to the Council, with the Council experiencing an increase in numbers over the past five years of Children Looked After, from 621 in 2013 to 676 at the end of 2017-2018 financial year, an increase of 55 children.  The Service Development officer confirmed that the number of children looked after continues to be a priority within the service area and that this it was subject to continuous focus and action.

Members were referred to both appendicies to the report which provided greater detail into the Panels objectives and actions to be taken forward. 

The cabinet Member for Children & Young people spoke positively about the report and the positive work being taken forward to address the rise of Children Looked After, commenting on the single access referrals through resilient families, the scope of the Community Hubs and the future roles they will have to play in the community and the network of activities available.  The Cabinet Member spoke of the further work needed to address accommodation issues and the complex needs of young people and the work undertaken to try to keep children within the County Borough.  The Cabinet Member concluded her comments by adding that although the rates of children becoming looked after needs to continue to be a priority within the service area, it is important for the Council to continue to prioritise a safe reduction in Children Looked After numbers and to deliver the best possible outcomes for the children and young people of RCT.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To note the information contained within the report and the actions being taken to address areas of further improvement.

N/A