Agenda item

Darren Martindale presented a report which was the starting point for a refresh of the Council’s Corporate Parenting Strategy which would assist the Council in fulfilling its statutory Corporate Parenting responsibilities. The refreshed document had been shortened and also had regard to the New Operating Model, the current budget position, the current LAC population, the revised staffing structures together with progress to date in delivering the current strategy including the positive outcomes. The document had been produced following the receipt of the views of the Children in Care Council albeit further consultation was required. Once the document had been approved work would commence on the refresh of the Corporate Parenting Pledge. Once appointed, the Corporate Parenting Officer would be charged with the preparation of an Action Plan to deliver the refreshed Strategy.

Cllr Martin Waite enquired as to whether there was an intention to reduce the number of communication channels faced by the LAC population with a single point of contact. Emma Bennett advised that the New Operating Model did move towards a central reference point prior to referral to the Social Work Team. Darren Martindale referred to a presentation he had made to Ofsted last year which included reference to a Lac getting a little help from a lot of people rather than a lot of help from a few.

Cllr Paula Brookfield enquired if the New Operating Model enabled information to be shared across Teams. She also referred to the high number of LAC within the City; to the financial implications associated with this high population and with regard to the number of Out of City Placements the possible loss of contact with family, extended family and peer group. Emma Bennett confirmed that the new system did enable information sharing. She also explained that many Out of City Placements were, in fact, quite close to the City and on the steps taken to maintain relevant and appropriate contacts. With regard to rates of pay and terms and conditions, Alison Hinds reported that those offered by The Council were comparable to those offered by private fostering agencies.

Cllr Mrs Christine Mills welcomed the intention to consult further on the Strategy and the inclusion of Priority 4 “Keep siblings together and give us more contact with siblings”. Darren Martindale assured the Board that the consultation would drive the contents of the Strategy.

Cllr Dr Michael Hardacre referred to the proposed service re-structure including the savings target and enquired if the savings could be delivered without care being compromised. Emma Bennett confirmed that to be the case subject a reduction in the LAC population being achieved. Cllr Dr Michael Hardacre asked at to the process adopted to review the previous Strategy. Darren Martindale explained that this had included an interrogation of data, an analysis of outcomes, consultations with Managers and Staff within the LAC Service and with LAC. The Chair, Cllr Val Gibson suggested that a quantitative analysis should be included in the 2014/15 Annual Report.

Resolved:

1. That the report be received and approved for consultation purposes;

2. That the refreshed Strategy be presented to the meeting of the Board scheduled to be held on 21 January 2015 with the Action Plan being submitted to a future meeting;

3. That future Annual Reports include a quantitative analysis.