Agenda and draft minutes

The evacuation procedure was noted.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 9 August 2024

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 August 2024 was confirmed as a correct record.

Members considered a report that provided an overview of two areas of work that were put in place in response to varying levels of access to dental care services in Stockton-on-Tees and the wider Tees Valley:

• An evaluation into the barriers and facilitators of accessing dental services for children in our care across Stockton-on-Tees carried out by the NHS England dental public health team in partnership with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Harrogate District Foundation Trust (HDFT) Children in Care Service.

• A Tees Valley dental access referral pathway pilot to increase access to dental services for children in our care.

Key points and discussion:-

-       The introduction of a dental referral pathway had facilitated access to dental services for children and young people in care and contributed to increased access to dental services.

-       Provisional data indicated that the proportion of children not recorded as accessing a dental check for Stockton-on-Tees had reduced from 57% in 2021/22 to 39% in 2023/24

-       Evaluation of barriers and facilitators to dental services for children and young people in care in Stockton-on-Tees had highlighted that while the majority of children and young people accessed good dental health care, barriers to dental health care include dental anxiety, lack of knowledge of previous dental service experiences and lack of continuity of care.

-       Members recognised that the cost of dental plans to care leavers would be prohibitive and this needed consideration.

-       Encouraging good dental health and providing preventative interventions, at an early age, would stand people in good stead ahead of them potentially needing to fund their own treatment

-       The pathway was funded by the ICB via practices that were commissioned to provide services to vulnerable groups.  There was no additional funding necessary, which meant the pilot was sustainable.

-       It was noted that when children came into care their initial health assessment included a dental assessment and they were guaranteed a referral and care, via the pathway.

-       Public Health had, since 2008, provided a universal offer of tooth brushes, toothpaste and instruction to primary schools. Teeth brushing packs were provided to some children, to use during school holidays.

-       It was agreed that an update would be provided in 12 months.

RESOLVED that the Board endorse

·         The continued commissioning of the Tees Valley dental access referral pathway and to extend the referral pathway to include other professional groups (e.g. health visitors and public health nurses).

·         NHS England dental public health team to continue work with all dental practices to support prioritised access for children and young people in care.

·         The development of an oral health passport for children and young people in care to support continuity of care and carer’s knowledge of their child’s dental care history.

·         Child in Care and 0-19 services providing information on entitlements to free NHS dental treatment to young people aged over 16 years to encourage them to get dentally fit before changes to entitlements take place.

·         Child in Care and 0-19 services providing  ...  view the full minutes text for item CPB/25/24

The Board received an update on progress relating to the Lifelong Links Programme.

Members heard a number of case studies which really helped the Board fully understand the success of the programme.

Discussion:-

Members saw considerable value in maintaining the programme and embedding it in services. The programme was an invest to save opportunity as well as providing life changing outcomes for individuals.  The Chair would raise the issue of ongoing funding for the programme, outside the meeting.

RESOLVED that the update be noted and the Chair raise the issue of future funding, outside the meeting.

Members considered a report that provide an oversight of the cohort of young people and adults who were care experienced, between the ages of 17 and 25, and were either Relevant or Former Relevant, in terms of their NEET status.

Discussion:

·       Members agreed that the breakdown of NEETs would be very helpful and highlighted where improvements must be made.

·       It was agreed that all Council services should be considering what they could do to help this cohort.

·       The Board noted that some care leavers did not want to continue to engage with the Council, however, the Council would continue to keep in touch, regularly, and offer assistance. The care leavers service was being reviewed and supporting the service to ‘stay in touch’ would be a key aim of review outcomes.

·       Preparing young people to transition into Adult Services needed to happen earlier than was, currently, the case and needed to involve all relevant services, not just Children’s and Adults’.

·       It was suggested that Care leavers must be kept informed of opportunities and be supported in accessing those opportunities eg Job Fairs, Civil Service Care Leavers’ Internships.

·       Council apprenticeships for Care Leavers were an opportunity to work in local government and potentially establish a career.

·       The Employment and Training Hub was keen to engage with Care Leavers and help them access offers, It was accepted that the Hub needed to be more proactive and arrangements would be made for Ryan Davis to meet with Chris Renahan, at the Hub, to discuss this further.

·       It was suggested that the DWP be asked to provide a representative at Board meetings.

·       NEET updates would be provided to future meetings.

RESOLVED that the report and discussion be noted/actioned as appropriate.

The Board had previously agreed commitments to all children in our care and care leavers. The Board now received a draft document for consideration.

Members discussed the document and felt the layout could be improved.

RESOLVED that options around the documents layout be presented to the next meeting.

The Board noted that the Strategy was under development and would be presented to the next meeting.

The Forward Plan was noted and it was agreed that the No Limits Hub meetings would be identified on the Plan.