Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help.

Decision

That the “Going Forward” section of the report be approved and that the plans/actions set out within the report of 10 December 2019 be used to address the areas identified for improvement.

Reason for Decision

To be assured that plans are in place that  identifies gaps and areas for development and will support practice improvement to strengthen outcomes for children.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help presented the Annual Safeguarding Report. He advised members that 1.2 of the report should now be amended to read “Theresa Leavy “in replace of Sarah Parker as Lead Officer.

The Portfolio Holder also reported the Pan-Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership’s emerging priorities, these included:- Online safety, County Lines issues and complex case management.

In response to questions regarding the use of certain wording set out in the report relating to neglect and domestic violence, the Interim Children’s Services agreed that this was an important point. Going forward children’s services aimed to strengthen skills and support provided to children and their families living with domestic violence.

Members welcomed the steps set out within 7. 2 of the report to Cabinet including the work relating to the Blue Print for Change to improve services provided to families in particular looking at the child’s  whole journey.

Decision

That the “Going Forward” section of the report be approved and that the plans/actions set out within the report of 10 December 2019 be used to address the areas identified for improvement.

Reason for Decision

To be assured that plans are in place that  identifies gaps and areas for development and will support practice improvement to strengthen outcomes for children.