Issue - meetings

Jane MacLennan, Quality Assurance Manager to lead the report.

The Corporate Parenting Board considered the Independent Reviewing Officers Report 2020-2021 set out by the Quality Assurance Manager. The report aimed to identify the strengths and areas for development that would also strengthen the work of corporate parents.

Members were informed that the information was indicating that this was a developing and quality service which continued to provide good outcomes for children and young people in care.

As at 31 March 2021, 449 children and young people were within the Dorset Council care system. This was a reduction of 31 over the last 12 months and it was confirmed that approximately 114 reviews were completed a month. Members were further advised that that between 72 – 90% of children aged 4 and over were participating fully in their reviews but work was still needed to increase this percentage. Member were also updated on the progress identified from the 2019 report; all but one action had been achieved over the last 12-month period. The outstanding action was linked to practical difficulties related to Covid-19.

Members asked the following questions relating to the following:

·       Welcomed the report which was positive and noted that there were several areas that were doing well

·       Referred to page 21 of the report (minutes not achieved within 21 days) Members were advised that this was an area which required improvement; this impact primarily related to an increased sickness level relating to Covid.  However, it was noted that children did receive written notification of recommendation within the 5 days’ notice period.

·       We want to see an increase in the number of escalations raised by QARO’s as this is a healthy sign of challenge and the independent role of the QARO. In respect of all escalations we would expect to see the issues raised being resolved at the earliest point, without requiring further escalation. It is important that any learning is shared across services and that this has the required impact.

·       Acknowledged the pressures and challenges across the service

·       Look at child engagement, how can we make more children want to engage? Are there any ideas that we can replicate and collaborate with others?

·       In respect of qualitative information and SEND, how confident are we that these young people are engaged; what are disability needs? It was agreed that this information would be included in reports going forward. Feedback of child in care reviews would also assist in this area. It was acknowledged that the challenge was around external position.

Jane MacLennan, Quality Assurance Manager to lead the report.