Agenda item

[To receive a presentation on current and future work aimed at responding to the continuing growth in the numbers of Looked-After Children in Wolverhampton.]

Emma Bennett gave a presentation on the work being done and planned to respond to the growing numbers of looked after children in Wolverhampton.

Emma explained that the strategy was not just a response to the financial pressures facing the Council but recognition of its statutory responsibilities and the desire to deliver better outcomes for children and young people.

Emma gave details of current trends and the gap between the rates per 10,000 of looked after children in Wolverhampton compared to national figures.

Emma gave specific examples of projects under the Families r First programme to help children to stay in families using a mix of targeted and specific support.

Emma gave an overview of the case for change, the key principles of the programme, and details of the three work streams to respond to the increase in the number of looked after children.

Emma explained that there is regular reporting of progress in the work being done to reduce the numbers of looked after children to senior managers.

Emma commented on the work being done with Essex, who have made a number of changes which has resulted in a stabilisation in their looked after children numbers. The learning from Essex is being shared with Wolverhampton. An important part of the programme is a focus on providing help and support to families at an earlier stage.

The panel commented on the reliability of the predictions about the future numbers of looked after children. Emma accepted the population profile of Wolverhampton made it hard to predict numbers and gave an example of having to deal with admitting 14 children into care on a single day. Emma highlighted the concern about the numbers of children unknown to the Council who were taken into care.

The panel commented on concerns about the approach and the extent to which it can give children and young people the best possible life chances.  A specific area of concern was that there were too many loopholes in the plan which could potentially leave children in vulnerable situations. There was a need to ensure that children at risk would be removed immediately.  It was important there was a tight criteria that would not leave vulnerable children at risk.

Emma referred to the key principles of the programme and the importance of referring the right children through the system.

The panel commented on whether the impact of high profile child abuse cases had led to social workers becoming more cautious and as a result more children were being placed into care.

Emma explained that the service tracked figures in Wolverhampton and there were a low number of children placed in residential care. The majority of children in care were placed with foster carers, which are still counted in the numbers of looked after children.

Emma also commented on the number of children on care orders which places responsibilities on the local authority.

The panel queried the reasons behind the growth in the numbers of looked after children. Emma commented on the range of factors placing pressure on families.

The panel welcomed the programme but considered that the service faces a major challenge in making progress in reducing the number of looked after children. The panel commented on the incremental growth in the numbers of looked after children in Wolverhampton and pressures placed on professionals in managing the demand.

Resolved

The panel agreed to receive an update on the progress of the programme at meeting on 14.1.15. The report will include a breakdown in the number of the children placed in different placement types.

The meeting closed at 7.15 pm