To consider a report on the CiCC representation on the Panel.

The Panel considered a report setting out the proposed development of the Children in Care Council (CiCC).  The meeting noted that the CiCC was currently composed of eight young people of which four were able to attend Panel meetings and four were unable to do so because of college attendance or employment.  The meeting also noted that the Young Voices Group was made up of children in care between the ages of 8-15.  The young people attended activity based participation and took part in informal consultation and formal consultation days.  None of the young people were able to attend the Panel due to school, although other meetings had been arranged between them and Members.  In addition some of the young people had been involved in meetings with the Children’s Minister and Children’s Commissioner in addition to the consultation on the Independent Review Officers.

It was now proposed that the Young Voices Group become the new CiCC.  The current CiCC members would become Ambassadors with the role of supporting the younger group including representing them and being their voice at the Panel.  The Ambassadors could also develop their own group as Leaving Care Young People.  That group would focus on leaving care issues and invite other leaving care young people to attend.

The Panel noted that it was intended that the newly formed CiCC would meet during the school holidays to focus on the experience of being in care.  The CiCC work plan could be developed with the Panel and any specific consultations required by the Panel could be included.  Members of the Panel would be invited to attend the CiCC’s meetings or specific consultation days could be arranged during the school holidays.  The Panel noted that the Executive Member had already expressed an interest in holding an informal meeting of young people from the CiCC and elected Members.

Following an introduction by a CiCC representative full discussion took place on the proposed changes.  The Assistant Director Children’s Services Operations emphasised that the Young Voices Group was highly active and experienced and this richness was not currently being represented at Panel meetings.  The changes would also provide the opportunity for reports to be presented in alternative formats such as videos and he acknowledged that this needed to be considered further.

In view of the limitations placed on the younger Looked After Children by school attendance the Director of Children’s Services proposed that Panel meetings start at 4.00 p.m.  The Panel welcomed this proposal.

A CiCC representative then advised the Panel of a forthcoming workshop at Leighton Buzzard Youth Centre on 17 February 2016.  She explained that the aim of the workshop was to enable the Young Voices Group to meet Members and for both groups to exchange ideas and discuss issues of mutual importance such as the Care Matters Pledge.   The Assistant Director Children’s Services Operations also referred to the possible need to refresh the pledge for residential workers.

RESOLVED

1          that the Young Voices Group become the new Children in Care Council;

2          that the new CiCC be launched during the February half term;

3          that the CiCC work plan be developed and Members be invited to attend and contribute;

4          that the current members of the CiCC become Ambassadors with the role of attending the Corporate Parenting Panel and representing the views of Looked After Children;

5          that the feasibility of starting meetings of the Panel at 4.00 p.m. be examined;

6          that the Chairman of the Panel and the Assistant Director Children’s Services Operations consider alternative means of presenting information to future meetings of the Panel;

7          that Members and officers be invited to attend the forthcoming Young Voices Group workshop.