Issue - meetings

Calvin Smith, Service Manager - Children's Safeguarding & Support presented the report which provides an update on the Child Protection Service and the steps that have been taken.

The Committee noted that the service identified a need for improvement two and a half years ago in order to align with statistical neighbours and themed audits were introduced.  The goal of the audits was to improve the experience for children and families and to become the best Child Protection Service in the country.

The Committee was asked to note Table 4 (page 7 of the report) showing the proportion of children who became the subject of a child protection plan for a second or subsequent time.  The Committee also learnt that some children had been on plans for too long; and they could not be taken off the plans as the council had not completed assessments.

Following a comment from Councillor Jonathan Chilvers that the report was a positive read due to the improvements that had been made to the service.  It was acknowledged that not all cases are the same with children presenting with a need for different and complex assessments. 

Following a question from Councillor Pam Williams in relation to allegations made against foster carers, it was confirmed that the process had not yet been audited but that it was on the plan moving forward.  It was noted that other investigations may be happening following an allegation, such as criminal investigations.

Resolved

That the Committee note the updated report detailing Child Protection Performance in Warwickshire.

That the Children & Families service will continue their programme of themed audits, focusing upon any areas of practice where we perform below our statistical neighbours.  The next audit to focus upon understanding and resolving our relatively high numbers of repeat child protection plans.