To consider a report setting out the Children in Care Council Annual Report 2012/13 and work programme priorities for 2013/14 together with an accompanying presentation from the Children in Care Council.

The Panel considered the Children in Care Council Annual Report 2012/13 and the Work Programme Priorities for 2013/14.  in addition Members received a presentation from representatives of the Children in Care Council (CiCC). 

At the Chairman’s request the Participation Officer undertook to circulate copies of the first CiCC newsletter to all Councillors.  The Director of Social Care, Health and Housing stated that a link would also be included within the Staff Central magazine.

With regard to the creation of a dedicated website for Children in Care the Acting Assistant Director Children’s Services Operations reported that discussions were ongoing with Corporate Communications and ICT regarding the form a website could take.  A Member with experience in this field indicated that she would be willing to assist in the design and development of the site.

A Member referred to the three pony days organised by the British Horse Society where young people had had the opportunity to learn how to care for the ponies and learn the basis of riding them.  The Member stated that young people would be welcome to visit the horses that she owned.  The Acting Assistant Director Children’s Services Operations undertook to establish the insurance requirements for such a visit.

Discussion took place on holding the proposed annual CiCC conference for members of the Corporate Parenting Panel.  The conference would provide an opportunity for Members to meet the different CiCC groups and see their work and achievements.  Although the conference could also be open to senior Central Bedfordshire Council managers the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing reminded the meeting that all Council employees held a corporate responsibility for Looked After Children.  The possible date of the conference was also considered with the Easter holiday and summer holidays having been suggested by the CiCC.  A Member commented on the proximity of the Easter holiday and the relative lack of time to prepare.

The meeting considered possible changes to the way the Annual Awards evening was organised; the number of attendees having lead to a lengthy evening and boredom amongst some of those present.  Although the CiCC had considered splitting the age range for the evening and having two different events the representatives were also aware that the Awards Evening was the only time at which all Looked After Children were gathered together.   An earlier start to the evening was suggested but the representatives advised that starting at 6.00 p.m. allowed young people to prepare for the evening after a day at school or college.  Further discussion took place on possible changes to the arrangements especially with regard to the number of young children who received nominations for an award.  The possible dates for the Awards Evening in 2013 were noted.

With regard to the attendance by CiCC members at a national CiCC event in London to share examples of good practice the meeting noted that the CiCC members had come away with ideas on how to improve Central Bedfordshire’s CiCC.  The Participation Officer undertook to circulate feedback on the trip to the Panel.

The meeting considered a proposal by the CiCC that Looked After Children nominate social workers for an award for their efforts in helping young people.  Whilst welcoming this suggestion it was suggested that the range of officers eligible for nomination be extended.  The Acting Assistant Director Children’s Services Operations undertook to progress this item and report to the next Panel meeting.

On behalf of the Panel the Chairman thanked the CiCC representatives for attending the meeting.

NOTED

1          the Children in Care Annual Report 2012/13;

2          the Children in Care Council Work Programme Priorities 2013/14;

3          the presentation by the Children in Care Council representatives.

(Note: The CiCC members left the meeting room at the conclusion of this item).