Issue - meetings

To receive the Update on Local Authority Children’s Home Provision report.]

Rachel King, Head of Specialist Support presented the Update on Local Authority Children’s Home Provision report and highlighted salient points. The report sought to inform Corporate Parenting Board of the Authority’s intention to undertake an ongoing review of residential provision to better understand the needs within the City and ensure that there is adequate provision to meet the needs of the most vulnerable and complex young people. It also outlined the recent decision to close Key to Inspiration and shared the rationale behind this decision.

Queries were raised around the status of the K2I building and how many staff members remained. It was noted that six members of staff remained whilst working out their notice periods. Once vacated, all confidential waste would be destroyed and any remaining furniture would be repurposed. Following this, the building would be released to Corporate Landlord as an asset. The asset management process would determine the future use for the building.

In response to a query around money released from this process, it was noted that monies would be used for commissioning places with external providers for children or young people in need of it. The Chair noted that suitability of placement for children and young people was more important than cost.

A query was raised in respect of turnover from residential to placement. Assurances were offered that it was a careful process during which lead-in visits to the young person in residential preceded placement, which was then followed up with continual contact during initial placement until this was no longer needed.

It was noted that the activity within the report had prompted an examination of the offer in Wolverhampton.

Resolved:

1.    That the update regarding local authority children’s home provision be received.

2.    That Corporate Parenting Board endorse the plans to undertake a review of residential provision to ensure the needs of children and young people in care can be met.

3.    That the recent decision to close Key to Inspiration Children’s Home be noted.