Agenda item

To receive the annual report of the Corporate Parenting Panel.

The Chairman invited Cllr Peter Hutton, Portfolio Holder for Safeguarding and Chairman of the Corporate Parenting Panel, to introduce the annual report of the Corporate Parenting Panel. Cllr Hutton moved the recommendations set out in the report, which was seconded by Cllr Mel Jacob.

Cllr Hutton thanked Panel members, officers, key strategic partners, and in particular young people who had input, and detailed the priorities which had been agreed to deliver for young people. Challenges were highlighted, including ensuring sufficient placements close to a young person’s home. Cllr Hutton explained how the Panel would work with the Children’s Select Committee to improve scrutiny of the relevant services. He also reminded the meeting that all 98 Members were corporate parents for the children and young people in the council’s care.

Joeanne Londors, a Wiltshire Foster Carer, then addressed the meeting on her experiences in particular as a single foster carer.

Group Leaders were then given the opportunity to comment.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council, welcomed the report on the activity which was taking place, and noted the recent positive Ofsted inspection of the service. He stated outcomes for looked after children in Wiltshire was better than the national average, but the goal needed to be to ensure those outcomes were the same as other children and the council needed to work to achieve this.

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, stated the annual report was uplifting and positive. He paid tribute to the Members and Officers providing support, as well as the many foster parents, and agreed with the Leader much still remained to achieve.

Cllr Ernie Clark, Leader of the Independent Group, added his thanks to all those involved with supporting the council’s looked after children. Cllr Ricky Rogers, Leader of the Labour Group, highlighted the incredible work of foster carers, noting the long-term dedication the role required.

The item was then opened up to general debate. Tributes were made to the work of foster carers and the officers providing support to looked after children, such as the Child and Youth Voice team. Whilst positive action was being taken it was emphasised further support needed to be made to deliver the council’s ambitions for the children and young people in its care. It was noted that there was a council policy on interview guarantees for care experienced young people who met essential criteria for council positions, but that only a very limited number were then appointed, and whether this could be approved. The importance of ensuring the voices of young people were heard across the council in multiple areas was noted.

At the conclusion of debate Cllr Hutton welcomed the comments made. He stated it was important the council listened to young people, and that it worked with partners for opportunities including employment, but that the council should lead the way with such efforts.

It was then,

Resolved:

That Full Council:

1)    Receive and note the Annual Report and the work of the Corporate Parenting Panel to date, its functions and impact of its work and to ratify the improvements required to further strengthen Corporate Parenting in Wiltshire.

2)    Receive and note the Annual Report of the Child and Youth Voice Team from April 2023 to March 2024, attached as appendix 4 to this report.