Issue - meetings

[To endorse the Annual Report of the Independent Reviewing Officer Service 2020-2021.]

Jazmine Walker, Head of Children and Young People in Care introduced the Independent Reviewing Service Annual Report covering the period 2020 – 2021 and requested that the item be deferred however invited any pressing questions.

The report outlined that the Wolverhampton Safeguarding Service had statutory responsibility for overseeing and ratifying the care plans for Children and Young People in Care via the activity of the Independent Reviewing Officers.

The report sought to provide the Corporate Parenting Board with an overview of the activity of the service, the impact for children and recommendations for service improvement that will enhance young people’s experiences.

In response to a query on whether many reviews with children and young people were virtual, it was confirmed that COVID had prompted the majority to be held this way. It was reported that face to face reviews were thought to be more beneficial by some young people whilst others engaged better during virtual meetings. With this feedback in mind, a hybrid model had been developed with children and young people’s preferences being promoted.

In response to a query, it was confirmed that the two young people on remand were still permitted face to face visits with their IRO. 

Resolved:

That Corporate Parenting Board endorse the Annual Report of the Independent Reviewing Officer Service 2020-2021.