Issue - meetings

[To endorse the Independent Reviewing Officer Annual Report 2019 – 2020.]

Alison Hinds, Deputy Director of Social Care presented the Independent Reviewing Officer Annual Report 2019 – 2020 and highlighted key points. The report outlined that the Independent Reviewing Officer Service was duty bound to provide the Corporate Parenting Board with an annual report that outlines the activity of the service, the impact for children and recommendations for service improvement that will enhance young people’s experiences.

It was highlighted that many improvements had been made over the year, particularly in terms of engagement with young people and participation in reviews. Extensive work had gone into exploring creative ways to engage with children and young people during their reviews to ensure their voices could be heard. The incorporation of technology, which had been introduced to increase parent participation, had been also proved useful during the pandemic situation. Caseloads had become more manageable, enabling more time to be spent building relationships with and listening to the views of the child. 

A concern was raised in respect of the deficit in software resources to include pictorials in the consultation leaflet to make them accessible to children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). It was noted that this was being continually explored and Councillor Paula Brookfield added she would be happy to support the procurement of this software.

It was queried whether any challenges had been experienced with children or young people in care not observing regulations to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Reassurances were offered that all children and young people in care had been encouraged to observe the rules relating to wearing masks and social distancing in all settings and no issues had been reported.

The work of the service and the report was commended by the Board and it was noted that the case studies had been a useful tool to bring additionality to the information in the report.

Resolved:

That the Corporate Parenting Board endorse the Annual Report of the Independent Reviewing Officer Service 2019 – 2020.