Agenda item

The committee will receive the draft annual report (report to follow) prior to finalisation by the Corporate Parenting Panel (on 12 November 2019) and presentation to Full Council (on 26 November 2019).

The Committee received the draft Annual Report of the Corporate Parenting Panel (CPP) prior to its finalisation by the Panel later that day, which would then be presented to Council at its meeting on 26 November 2019 in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

Members were reminded that the role of the CPP was to secure Councillor involvement and commitment throughout the Council to deliver better outcomes for children and young people who were Looked After. All Councillors were reminded that they had responsibilities as a “corporate parent” for children and young people who were Looked After in Wiltshire.

The Director, Families & Children explained the broad range of topics which had been discussed by the CPP and the work undertaken during the period from May 2018 to September 2019.  It was noted that the Children in Care Council (CiCC) was a key stakeholder group relating to matters included in the CPP agenda. There was a mature relationship between CiCC and as a result young people had helped to shape the way in which the work was undertaken.  Through the Shared Guardianship sessions, they had helped to influence the work and priorities of the CPP.  The following had been identified by the Children in Care Council (CiCC) as its own priorities for 2019/20, some of which were continued from 2018/19. In order of priority they were:-

1.    Continuing to raise awareness of mental health and emotional wellbeing.

2.    Raising awareness of bullying.

3.    Continuing to make newsletters and promote the group.

4.    Training new staff – children’s services induction, Wiltshire College and any other opportunities.

5.    Being professional when holding meetings and to develop skills to be effective representatives.

6.    Meeting CiCC’s from other counties.

7.    Taking part in consultations.

8.    Influencing decision makers by sharing experiences and that of others.

During discussion, Members expressed some regret that there was no reference in the report to actions actually taken during the period, the subject of the report.  For instance, there was no mention of how many children were in care, how many children had been missing during the year and how many interviews had taken place regarding children who were missing on more than one occasion.  The Chairman suggested that key figures and data sets, which were available, be included as an appendix to the report prior to its consideration by Full Council. 

The Committee expressed its appreciation that it received the draft report in time for its’ recommendations to be included prior to the report being considered by Full Council.

Cllr Christopher Devine expressed an interest in the work of the Fostering Panel and offered to be a member should a place be available.  

Resolved:

To note the DRAFT Annual Report and recommend that:

1.    the improvements required to strengthen Corporate Parenting in Wiltshire are clearly defined in the report when presented to Full Council on 26 November 2019, with proposed actions where relevant (including additional Councillor representative(s) on the Fostering Panel);

2.    key figures and data sets are included to present a comprehensive overview of the current situation in Wiltshire with regards to children in care (for example the number of children in care, the number of missing, the number of return interviews, etc.), as had been provided in previous reports, as an appendix to the report when it is presented to Full Council on 26 November 2019.