Agenda item

Ian Donnachie, Apprentice (Children in Care 14 – 18 years) updated the panel on the Apprentice Appreciation Day which was held on the 6th October.  This was an event that allowed care experienced apprentices to provide feedback on their role and offer ways that it could be improved for future cohorts.  The panel noted that the session had allowed apprentices to highlight that in some cases, based on their own experience, the role could be close to home.  As a result, managers may benefit from additional support so that they have a better understanding of any potential triggering areas for new apprentices.

Marie Dionisi, Family Support Worker provided an update on the relaunch of the Children in Care Council (CiCC) which was held on the 13th October 2022.  It was noted that 13 young people attended aged from 11 to 17 years old and that it was an opportunity for them to find out more about what being part of the CiCC involved.  Young people were also given the chance to mention areas that they would like included in future agendas of the CiCC; such as more family time, time with siblings, self-harm and the chance to meet carers before they moved in with them.  The panel was pleased to note that feedback had been very positive. 

Following a question from the Chair, it was confirmed that the most important issues for young people was mental health.  It was also confirmed that in January 2023, there will be a meeting with MIND representatives to discuss how to develop better mental health with young people, including wellbeing and self-harm.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse asked what officers were trying to achieve; acknowledging that mental health and wellbeing is very different for everyone.  Marie Dionisi agreed with Councillor Roodhouse and added that the CiCC is about creating a place for young people to come together and voice their concerns in a safe community where everyone comes together.  Angela Richardson, Designated Nurse – Children in Care added that developmental trauma is something that young people in care face and that has a significant impact on them and that it is something that doesn’t necessarily fit the mental health hat.  The panel noted that work is underway in relation to a strategy to address this and working with YP to develop this.

Councillor Penny-Anne O’Donnell asked how much information a child receives in relation to their foster carers; suggesting that information about the proposed length of their stay and meeting them before the placement starts could strengthen their resilience and mental health.

Nigel Minns, Strategic Director for People confirmed that the national picture in relation to concerns about young people’s mental health is reflected in Warwickshire.  It was noted that mental health support teams in schools are making a real difference and it was agreed that feedback will be bought to a future meeting of the panel.

Liss Phillips, Family Support Worker gave an update on the Care Leavers Forum and confirmed the plans for 2023 which include looking at rights and entitlements of young people.  The forum completed a review of the last 12 months and the panel was pleased to note the positive feedback received.

Umar Teerab, Family Support Worker ended the item with an update on the football team.  The panel was pleased to note that this is still very popular and that other local authorities have shown an interest in setting up their own teams.  It was also noted that the police have a team that play regularly and that the fire service were also interested in setting up a team to join in.