To consider a report outlining the activity of the Conference and Review Service in relation to the reviews of Looked After Children during 2012-13.

The Chairman welcomed Gerard Jones to his first meeting of the Panel as the Council’s Assistant Director Children’s Services Operations.

The Panel considered a report by the Assistant Director of Children’s Services Operations which outlined the activity of the Conference and Review Service, which formed part of the Quality Assurance Service, in the reviews of Looked After Children which had been carried out during 2012/13.

The meeting noted that Independent Review Officers (IROs) chaired the reviews of all Looked After Children and all child protection conferences.  Further, the IRO Manager was required to produce an Annual Report for consideration by Members of the Corporate Parenting Panel.  To this end a copy of the IRO Manager’s report was attached at Appendix A to that of the Assistant Director.

Following an introduction by the Assistant Director the Team Manager Conference and Review worked through the report drawing Member’s attention to major points of interest.  Arising from this the Chairman queried the accuracy of the figure for the number of Looked After Children given in the report as this was higher than he understood.  In response the Assistant Director explained that the original, lower figure had been subject to amendment and the revised, higher figure was the most accurate.

The Chairman then referred to the example given within the report of a young person who had chosen not attended their review.  In response the Team Manager explained that the report represented a ‘snap shot’ of what had happened at a particular point and that a social worker would have undertaken a follow up meeting with the young person.  In response to a further query by the Chairman the Assistant Director explained that achieving full attendance by all young people at their reviews was not possible as some, at some point, would refuse to cooperate.

With regard to the provision of health assessments for Looked After Children the Assistant Director expressed concern at the failure to meet the target figures and fully acknowledged the need for improvement.  To this end he stated that he would direct social workers to pursue the take up of health assessments.  He undertook to report back to the Forum on the progress made on this matter.  In relation to this topic the meeting noted the impact of major changes in the Health Authority’s structure and the current position.

A Member sought information on the re-audit of the children and young people to assess compliance with expectations regarding the IROs meeting them separately.  In response the Team Manager explained that the re-audit had yet to start.  Following discussion the Assistant Director undertook to brief the Chairman on the outcome.

A Member commented on the use of acronyms within the report.  She stressed the need for clarity and suggested a number of amendments to the text and the inclusion of a glossary of terms at the end of the report.  The

Member then referred to the important role played by school governors in influencing the efficient and effective use of the Pupil Premium.  She stressed the need to ensure that governors were taking a full and active role.

Further comment and discussion followed.  In particular a foster carer referred to the lack of feedback to carers on their role and contribution.  The Panel noted that this information was contained within the Annual Report and Members expressed the view that the Report should be made widely available for public examination.

NOTED

the activity of the Conference and Review Service in relation to the reviews of Looked After Children during 2012-13 as set out within the Independent Reviewing Officers’ Annual Report.

RESOLVED

1          that the typographical errors identified by Members be corrected and the proposed amendments be incorporated within the Independent Reviewing Officers’ Annual Report;

2          that a link to the Report be published on the Council’s website.