Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

To receive any declarations of interest.

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made at the meeting.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 14 December 2020.

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 December 2020 were agreed as a correct record and would be signed by the Chairman at a later date.

To receive questions or statements on the business of the committee

from town and parish councils and members of the public.

Public speaking has been suspended for virtual committee meetings

during the Covid-19 crisis and public participation will be dealt with

through written submissions only.

Members of the public who live, work or represent an organisation

within the Dorset Council area, may submit up to two questions or a

statement of up to a maximum of 450 words. All submissions must be

sent electronically to fiona.king@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk by the

deadline set out below. When submitting a question please indicate

who the question is for and include your name, address and contact

details. Questions and statements received in line with the council’s

rules for public participation will be published as a supplement to the

agenda.

Questions will be read out by an officer of the council and a response

given by the appropriate Portfolio Holder or officer at the meeting. All

questions, statements and responses will be published in full within the

minutes of the meeting.

The deadline for submission of the full text of a question or

statement is 8.30am on Tuesday 2 March 2021.

There were no submissions from town or parish councils or from members of the public. 

To consider a report from the Interim Executive Director of People, Adults.

The Committee considered a report which set out the work to consider and prepare for the forthcoming Domestic Abuse Act 2021. The report also included partners’ work which was being coordinated through the Dorset Community Safety Partnership (CSP).

Members’ attention was drawn to the focus on prevention in respect of domestic abuse and the extensive training programme in place for staff.

The Member Champion for Domestic Abuse, Cllr Rennie, highlighted that the report showed how far forward the authority had come and paid tribute to those that delivered the work that was highlighted in the report. She felt there was a need to find a way to make domestic abuse a core service and part of the Council’s budget to ensure continued support.

Areas highlighted and discussed included:-

·         The effects on children in respect of domestic abuse

·         The work being done in schools in respect of guidance and support

·         Making health and wellbeing a corporate goal

·         The Local Partnership Board

·         Important to not fragment things but to build on the good work that has already been done

·         Youth Centres and youth work and support for young people in the workstreams

·         Concern adult social care may perhaps miss cases of domestic abuse as someone’s health has deteriorated – training programmes in this area highlighted

·         Mental health issues as a result of domestic abuse

Members’ paid tribute to the Community Safety Team and to Cllr Rennie for their continued good work.

Decision

That the Committee endorsed the work to prepare for the forthcoming Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (as set out in the report).

To consider a report by the Executive Director for People, Children.

The Committee considered a report which highlighted the range of financial support available to Care Leavers. This support covered all aspects of a Care Leaver’s life as they moved into adult life.

The Corporate Director for Education and Learning highlighted the responsibilities and duties of members as corporate parents.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help advised the Council’s aim was to achieve a settled adulthood for our young people.

Areas highlighted and discussed included:-

·         Support for care leavers in terms of mentoring

·         Budget and projected overspend

·         Cost pressures

·         Request for an update before next winter

·         Winter fuel payment

·         Housing issues in respect of homelessness

·         Young carers

·         The various types of support available

·         To encourage thinking outside of the box

Decisions

1. That the adoption of the Care Leaver Financial Offer be supported.

2. That an update be brought to Committee later in the year.

To receive a presentation from the Performance Quality Assurance Consultant.

Members received a presentation from the Performance and Quality Assurance Consultant on the Harbour Project within Children’s Services.

The presentation is attached as an annexure to these minutes.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help noted that the Harbour Project had taken on a transformational role for the Council.

Areas highlighted and discussed included:-

• Alternative accommodation with relevant activities
• Engagement with outdoor education colleagues and the voluntary sector
• Relationship building and preparing young people for adult life
• Support for those young people wanting to broaden their horizons

.

Decision

That members endorsed the Harbour Project and the work detailed within it.

To consider the Committee's Forward Plan and the Cabinet's Forward Plan.

The Committee considered its Forward Plan and that of the Cabinet.

Actions for the Committee’s Forward Plan

• Add topics from the Reset and Recovery EAP to the Forward Plan following a prioritisation exercise
• Include an update from Children’s Services in respect of the return to schools following the latest lockdown, including provision for the future.

To consider any items of business which the Chairman has had prior notification and considers to be urgent pursuant to section 100B (4)b) of the Local Government Act 1972.  The reason for the urgency shall be recorded in the minutes

There were no urgent items of business.

To move the exclusion of the press and public for the following item in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph 3 of schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

The public and the press will be asked to leave the meeting whilst the item of business is considered.

There was no exempt business.