Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on XXX

The minuets of the meeting held on 10 February 2023 were confirmed as a correct record.

Members considered a report that provided a mid-year 2022/23 performance update for the Board. It outlined progress against our key Corporate Parenting performance measures and, where possible to do so, with available information, advised how that compared with the previous three years’ performance and performance across the region overall.

It was noted that the report would be published on the Council’s website.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

The Board considered a report that presented a Participation Strategy. This included the co-produced principles for decision making and a pledge to children and young people in our care which outlined what they could expect from the adults in their lives, to support their involvement in decision making.

The Board also considered a report and presentation that provided information about the new CAMHS model for children in our care, including an overview of the previous model, how the new model was developed and was being implemented in the context of iThrive. Members also heard an update on emerging themes and impact from the implementation of the new model including the multi-agency consultation and formulation approach.

Finally, members were provided with a presentation relating to the Care Leavers Offer.

Discussion:-

- Members agreed that it was important to hear and fully record what children in our care were saying to us and we should act accordingly. If the Council did not act as it said it would then children must have the ability to hold it accountable.

- Member training, which was mandatory, would be important after the elections to ensure all members were immediately aware of their responsibilities as Corporate Parents. It was noted that Corporate Parenting member training would continue throughout the term of the Council and would include different types of delivery with some sessions involving speakers who had first-hand experience of being a child in care.

- Children had been involved in the appointments process for a new Director of Children's Services, which had been very positive and illustrated to the children the value the Council placed on their views. Their involvement in processes such as this needed to continue and expand.

- There would be more engagement between children in our care and this Board. This would be built into the Forward Plan.

- Attempts to encourage more partners to attend Board meetings and have an active role should be considered, particularly those partners providing certain services.

- there was a 28-day waiting time for CAMHS assessments, however, children and their families were usually getting help well before this, via other interventions.

- More information was needed to understand the effectiveness of intervention from CAMHS. Work was ongoing to improve this situation.

- Members welcomed the regional work relating to care leavers.

- It was important that children in care and care leavers had high aspirations and Corporate Parents had a key role in doing this.

RESOLVED that the reports, presentations and discussion be noted.

The Board noted its Forward Plan.