Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Mr. Gabbitas (Co-optee) Adam (Co-optee) and Sue May (NCH Bridges Project), Councillors McNeely and R. Russell.

Further to Minute No. 3(iii) of the meeting held on 12^th July 2006, consideration was given to the content of a briefing note which outlined discussions between officers from Revenues and Benefits Service and NCH Bridges Leaving Care Project on emerging actions to improve how housing benefit is processed for care leavers.

The briefing paper set out:-

• the purpose of the meeting which was to discuss perceived delays in processing Housing Benefit claims for care leavers, and whether anything could be changed to alleviate the ‘perceived’ delays
• issues raised during the discussions
• what was agreed to improve the processing of claims and payments
• how the service will improve due to the changes agreed

The summary accepted that an improved system was required and work on a solution was being progressed.

Also submitted was a paper on difficulties experienced in accessing JSA payments for young people who have been in Local Authority Care.  Case examples were given.

Particular reference was made to the ‘tele-claim’ system, which involved young people having to telephone a centralised number to make a claim for JSA.  The case studies cited the difficulties faced by a number of young people, particularly those who have left care and may have more complex needs.

Subsequent discussion/comments raised the following points:-

-                       how claims are made and care leavers identified in order to process claims;

-                       dealing with and channelling of claims classed as emergency;

-                       when the process for care leavers begins, some weeks prior to their 18^th birthday and if this could be improved;

-                       the ways in which applications for benefit can be made and the reasons why carers cannot be supplied with appropriate forms;

-                       the guidance issued by Government which stipulates the claims process.

Officers acknowledged that more consultation was required between the appropriate departments, providing a better flow of information and communication between them.  Proposals were made by the Job Centre Plus, Contact Centre and NCHBridges staff to improve links between the local agencies to facilitate this.

It was also accepted that the teleclaiming process needed to take account of the difficulties faced by more vulnerable groups including care leavers. It was explained that face-to-face contact was still an option although tele-claiming was the preferred claim route.

It was acknowledge that local Job Centre Plus staff did not have the flexibility to interpret the strict national guidance, however, the proposed steps would go some way to improving communications locally.

Consideration was to be given to the lobbying of MPs on the issues raised, particularly on the interpretation of guidance and having some degree of flexibility for care leavers.

Agreed:-  a)  That the representatives of Job Centre Plus, Contact Centre and Job Centre, NCH Bridges Project and officers from RBT be thanked for their attendance and contribution.

b) That the reports be received and the action being taken be supported.

c) that Local MPs be contacted with regards to the Panel’s concerns about the claims process and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

The Children’s Complaints Manager submitted a comprehensive report which detailed the complaints made by children and young people.

The basis and outcome of each complaint was set out, and the themes that have arisen from the complaints and representations made by children and young people on a repeated basis were outlined in the report submitted.

In response to a question, members were informed of how issues of bullying were addressed, the work done on this being outlined and how policies relating to bullying were reconsidered and consulted upon.

Reference was made to the work done with schools, on bullying, involving multi-agency working.

In the main, timescales for action on complaints were met, the process being outlined, as set out in the information submitted.

With regard to the outcomes of complaints made, members were informed of the reasons for outstanding issues.

Agreed:-  That the report be received and an update submitted in 6 months time.

The Service Manager for Looked After Children, reported that as at 31^st August 2006, Rotherham had 338 children in care.

The details submitted set out:-

-                       the number of looked after children in the various types of care available

-                       the gender and ethnicity breakdown of the children in care

-                       the school attendance record of children in care along with commentary on reasons for them missing school.

It was clarified that if a child was not on a school roll, they could not be included in the data, but if in hospital, a child would be on the hospital tuition roll.  Other situations were also clarified such as those children in out of authority placements and the responsibility of carers to get children to school.

Members were informed of the excellent GCSE achievements of looked after children this year, being much improved compared with last year.

It was noted that a celebratory event was to be held on the 22^nd November 2006.

Agreed:-  a)  That the report be received.

b)      That comparative figures of previous years for the school attendance data submitted be provided at the next meeting.

c) That the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services be requested to give consideration to the post 16 examination achievements of looked after children and to ways in which their monitoring can be improved.

The Service Manager, Looked After Children’s Resources, reported that the CSCI had recently completed inspections of four Residential Children’s Homes against the National Minimum Standards (Care Standards Act 2000).

The report submitted set out the Function of Purpose for each of the Homes and the themes and recommendations which have arisen from the inspections.

The Homes  inspected were at:-

Creswick Road

Goodwin Crescent

St. Edmunds Avenue

Studmoor Road

Particular comments related to the involvement of young people within the homes and the condition of the premises at Goodwin Crescent.

The age range of young people in the Homes was discussed and issues surrounding how they mix.

It was acknowledged that there could be issues but there was a comprehensive risk assessment process to address them.

Agreed:-  That the report be received and feedback on action to be reported on a quarterly basis initially.

Further to the Scrutiny Review “The Role of Councillors as Corporate Parents” undertaken in May 2005, one of the recommendations was that Rotherham’s Right 2 Rights Service and Young Rights representatives would work with a small group of elected members to design a leaflet in respect of Corporate Parenting and a Corporate Parenting Pledge/Promise for the Looked After Children & Young People of Rotherham.

The leaflet had been completed and copies were distributed at the meeting.

A more in-depth ‘child friendly’ document was being produced which will be sent out on request and also published on the website along with the leaflet and the Corporate Parenting Promise.

Also being developed are ways in which young people can comment on how well the Promise is holding up and suggest ways to improve the service.

Agreed:-  That the leaflet be welcomed and it be distributed to all members of the Council.

Agreed:-  That the minutes of this Scrutiny Sub Panel held on 12^th July 2006 be received and reports on the following be submitted to future meetings:-

a)      the work placement situation for looked after children, this report to the March 2007 meeting at the latest.

b)   the situation on foster carers’ recruitment and support be reported to the next meeting.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Looked After Children Scrutiny Sub Panel would take place on Wednesday, 13^th December 2006 at 2.00 p.m.