Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from the following members of the Corporate Parenting Board: Councillor Paul Appleby, Councillor Lovinyer Daley and Councillor Jenny Cockayne.

Councillor Barbara McGarrity QN declared a non-pecuniary interest as she is a Private Counsellor.

[To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 23 November 2023 as a correct record.]

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 23 November 2023 be confirmed as correct record and signed by the Chair.

[To consider any matters arising from the minutes of the meeting held on 23 November 2023.]

There were no matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

[To receive outcomes and feedback from the Care Leaver Survey Review 2023.]

Laura Wood, Service Manager for Children and Young People in Care presented the report providing an update to Corporate Parenting Board on the Care Leavers Survey 2023 results and findings. The report provided detail on the questions asked, breakdown of respondents and how the responses would inform the work of the service going forward.

In response to a query on why some young people were unaware of the Hub, it was noted that it was still fairly new and the services were trying to advertise on social media, it was just a case of finding the best platform to use. It was also noted that young people placed out of City would not be able to access the Hub so alternative ways of reaching them would be necessary.

Resolved:

1.            That the Care Leaver Survey Review 2023 be received.

2.            That Corporate Parenting Board note the review process undertaken of the Care Leaver Annual Survey results for 2023 and the highlighted areas for development.

[To receive The Reach Leaving Care Local Offer Review 2023.]

Laura Wood, Service Manager for Children and Young People in Care presented the report providing an update on the annual review of services and support available to care experienced young people and young people leaving care. The report highlighted additions made to the REACH Local Offer since the 2022 review and outcomes from engagement with young people on what they thought of offer or would like to see included.

The Councillors commended the Local Offer and how well young people were able to access this within Wolverhampton. They were pleased that Wolverhampton were providing support to those outside of Wolverhampton in respect to council tax exemption.  City of Wolverhampton Council advocates for reciprocal arrangements outside of the local authority where possible.

In terms of young people having to repeat their story to various health professionals each time they moved area, it was noted that there were still some challenges around data sharing systems however health partners agreed to feed this back to colleagues. It was suggested to allow relevant organisations to share Care Leaver Summaries (with the consent of the young person) in order to make processes smoother. It was agreed to take this suggestion to children and young people in care forums to gain their views on this.

Resolved:

1.            That the Reach Leaving Care Local Offer Review 2023 be received.

2.            That the review process undertaken of the Care Leaver Local Offer be noted.

3.            That the suggestion to share Care Leaver Summaries with health partners (subject to consent) be submitted to Care Leavers’ Forum for consideration.

[To receive the outcome of the Children in Care Survey 2023.]

The Children in Care Survey 2023 report was co-presented by Jazmine Walker, Head of Service for Children and Young People in Care, and the young people present as representatives of Children in Care Council. The report provided a summary of the 2023 results and findings from the Children in Care Annual Survey and how the outcomes would inform the work of the service.

In terms of how data was presented, it was suggested to break down the age ranges even further to help inform planning age-appropriate activities for younger children, older children or mixed ages.

It was added that it may be helpful to include activities and events with a mix of care experienced and non-care experienced children. It was thought this may reduce feelings of being singled out in a children in care only event or to allow the option to bring a friend along for children who may feel shy attending alone. It was again agreed to add this suggestion for discussion at care forums.

Resolved:

1.            That the Children in Care Survey 2023 report be received.

2.            That Corporate Parenting Board note the findings of the Children in Care Annual Survey for 2023 and the highlighted areas for development.

3.            That suggestions made by Corporate Parenting Board be presented to Children and Care Council to gain young people’s views.

[To receive the Performance Monitoring Information Report.]

Jazmine Walker, Head of Service for Children and Young People in Care presented the Performance Monitoring Information report which provided analytics on service performance in a number of areas relating to children and young people in care.

It was noted that figures were showing the highest numbers of children in care seen since 2021, however this was starting to reduce.

Resolved:

That the Performance Monitoring Information report be received.

[That in accordance with section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information falling within paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.]

Resolved:

That in accordance with section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information falling within paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

[To receive verbal feedback on any visits to establishments undertaken by Councillors since the last meeting.]

Hannah Bradley, Corporate Parenting Officer reported that all Councillors who had been on visits had given positive feedback. Councillor Barbara McGarrity QN had reported visiting the Adoption@Heart service and had been impressed.

It was reported that two further children’s homes were due to be rolled out and visits to these would be set up prior to opening. A refresh of dates to visit Upper Pendeford Farm would be sent out soon.

Resolved:

That the Councillor Visits to Establishments - Schedule of Visits item be noted.