Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Children and Families

At a mid-point meeting of the Children and Families Scrutiny Committee held on 20 January 2011, Julie Lewis attended to brief Members on the newly devised corporate parenting strategy. Within this brief a number of aspects such as the ‘pledge’, the ‘principles’ and the measures of success had been outlined.

Since that point, it was reported that the draft version of the strategy had been circulated to all officers as a consultation document and that it was due to be presented to corporate management team on 21 February 2011.

Considering the importance of the strategy, Members wished to have an opportunity to ask any further questions that they had after having more time to review its content.

Firstly, Councillor Flude questioned how the service intended to make sure that ‘the pledge’ would be published in an appropriate manner so that children and young people could understand it. It was confirmed that work was being carried out with Barnardos to structure the pledge so that it was clear for all audiences and that this would then be distributed to all children when they enter care.

Secondly, Councillor Neilson when reviewing ‘the principles’ had noticed that there was no mention of cared for children having a right to appropriate equipment, something that had been earmarked in the review of Residential Provision. Additionally, it was noted that there was no mention of kinship carers within the strategy. It was asserted that these issues would be looked at.

Thirdly, Councillor Kolker suggested that within the ‘local indicators for Cheshire East’ section, there could possibly be an indicator which measured the number of disruptions in fostering and adoption placements. Again, it was said that this was something that would be considered when drafting the final strategy.

Finally, a point was made from the Chairman regarding education and cared for children. In his mind, this was the most important aspect for improving the life chances of children in care and that it was vital that when placements are made, this should be considered. It was reported that the new structure outlined in the safeguarding report would greatly improve this.

RESOLVED –

a)     That the Committee endorse the strategy at this juncture and look forward to reviewing the final version at a subsequent meeting.

b)     That the following issues be considered in the drafting of the final version:

·        The ‘right to appropriate equipment’ be added to ‘the principles’

·        The role of kinship carers be considered as part of the strategy.

·        An indicator regarding disruption of foster and adoption placements be included within the ‘local indicators for Cheshire East’ section.