Agenda and minutes

To receive the apologies of any Panel Member who is unable to attend the meeting.

Apologies were received from Cllr Cusworth and Lee Durrant.

To consider the minutes of the previous meeting of the Corporate Parenting Panel held on 1  September 2020, and approve them as a true and correct record of the proceedings.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 1 September 2020, were approved as a true and correct record of the proceedings.

To receive declarations of interest from Members in respect of items listed on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of any part of the agenda.

The Chair confirmed that there was no reason to exclude members of the press or public from observing any of the items on the agenda.

To receive an update in respect of the activities of Looked After Children.

Consideration was given to an update from the Looked After Children’s Council, providing details of the young peoples’ activities and how the young people have responded to the challenges presented by COVID-19. Since the previous update, the LAC Council have been supported individually, having 1:1 catch up meetings face to face, talking on the phone, texting, facetiming and even emailing each other. They continue to work together to explore other models of group engagement that will sit alongside increased individual support to better meet the needs of the LAC Council & Lil LAC Club throughout the second wave.

Resolved:-

1.    That the report be noted.

To receive a performance report update in respect of Corporate Parenting.

Consideration was given to a performance report and an appendix containing data and figures in respect of various performance measures. 25 children had come into care in the month reported, which was an increase of 14 from the previous month. 91.5 % of children had a plan in place, which was a slight decrease from the previous month. 3 children had been adopted, with 2 new fosterers approved and 4 deregistering. Stable placements had also experienced a slight decrease, but there were the lowest numbers of the year of children having multiple placement moves. 19 children have been adopted so far this year. Health figures have held relatively steady, with a slight increase in the numbers of current health assessments. The dental care rate, which has been an area of attention, has been picked up by the health and wellbeing partnership workstream. 98.6% of health reviews were done in time and a high percentage kept up to date. Care leaving figures had varied only slightly. There were 616 LAC at the end of the reported period.

Some children refuse to have the health assessment, but they still can access health services. During the pandemic with dentists’ offices being closed, it has been difficult for these appointments to take place. From January, children will have access to a new dental service in collaboration with the dental school. LAC nurses will be trained to provide more information about dental care and problems. The Health improvement team have put together dental packs for LAC. For independent or semi-independent young people not living in a foster care home, they will be a given a toothbrush and toothpaste delivery once a year. Data collection regarding dental checks was also being reviewed.

It was also noted that it was being investigated to find out why a few children did not receive their health assessment within the prescribed 20 days. This information will be helpful in understanding why the figures were as they are.

Resolved:-

1.    That the update be noted.

To determine any item which the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency.

The Chair confirmed that there were no items to be considered today as a matter of urgency.

The next virtual meeting of the Corporate Parenting Panel will be held on 5 Janurary 2021, commencing at 3.30 pm.

The Chair confirmed that the next virtual meeting of the Corporate Parenting Panel would be held on 5 January 2021 at 3.30 pm.