Agenda item

Members are to receive a presentation in support of the Committee’s forthcoming view on Corporate Parenting.

Members received a presentation in support of the Committee’s forthcoming review of Corporate Parenting.

Members had also received the following documents:

·        “Welcome to Corporate Parenting – A Councillor Development Learning Resource”

·        “10 questions to ask if you’re scrutinising services for looked after children”

Members congratulated officers on the Authority’s performance in the national ratings for councils.  They were also pleased to note the increase in the number of local carers.

Clarification was sought as to whether the Independent Fostering Agencies provided value for money.   Officers confirmed that it was expensive to use the agencies but that they did provide a useful service.  It was pleasing to note that the council had very strong relationships with foster carers and the support that it provided was valued by the carers.

Officers were asked about the number of children who were looked after by the Authority because their parents had learning difficulties. Details were given of the support that the council put in place to support parents who were finding it difficult to manage, including looking to the child’s extended family to see if they could provide support.   On some occasions this was not possible but the evidence that the council had to present in Court was extremely high. Advocacy arrangements were also in place to ensure that the views of parents were heard.  Concerns were expressed that arrangements such as pre-natal classes may not be fully accessible and Members emphasised the need for the council to work closely with the health services and the CVS (Council for Voluntary Services) and the Voluntary and Community Sector Forum for Learning Difficulties to ensure that adequate pre- and post-natal support is available to parents. [Amended at meeting on 25 January 2012]

Members asked about the reasons for the increase in the number of Looked After Children, particularly as officers had previously predicted that the number would fall.  Officers stated that the number of Child Protection Plans in the city had risen from 80 to 159.  The reasons for this were predominately related to abuse and neglect.  This increase was also reflected regionally and nationally. 

Members gave consideration to the focus of the scrutiny review.  They agreed that the following issues should be considered:

·        The attainment of Looked After Children

·         Councillors’ role as Corporate Parents

Officers outlined some of the arrangements that were in place to track the educational attainment of Looked After Children, including a nominated virtual headteacher who monitored their progress.

Members requested that the following information be presented to them to assist them in carrying out the review:

·        Responses to the questions detailed in Section 2 of the “10 questions to ask if you’re scrutinising services for looked after children” publication.

·        Details of the Directorate’s plans to improve the academic achievement of Looked After Children.

·        Information as to how Members, who did not hold a Cabinet position, could carry out their responsibilities as a Corporate Parent.

RESOLVED:       That the additional information requested be considered at the next meeting.

REASON:            To progress the review.