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 7^th February 2025

The minutes of the meeting held on 7 February 2025 were confirmed as a correct record.

Officers scheduled to present this item had indicated that they were no longer able to attend the meeting and had requested that it be deferred.

RESOLVED that the item be deferred to a future meeting.

Members considered proposals for structured engagement with children and young people via the No Limits Hub.

Discussion and Key Points

·       Proposals to alternate formal board meetings with informal, youth-led events to improve accessibility and engagement.

·       Need for clarity in the corporate parenting role and training in how to engage informally with young people.

·       Concerns expressed about over-consultation and repeatedly involving the same young people.

·       Members discussed informal activities such as quiz nights and shared meals to build relationships.

·       Importance of consistent attendance to build trust over time and ensure voices from out-of-area placements were heard.

·       Support for widening involvement to partner agencies and councillors beyond Board members, while ensuring balance.

RESOLVED that the update and discussion be noted and actioned as appropriate.

The Board received a presentation on mental health support for children in care, specifically access to CAMHS.

The Child In Our Care (CIOC) service provides support to children and young people in Stockton. It includes assessments, therapeutic interventions, support for carers, training, and professional support for social workers and connected carers.

The service supported young people experiencing a range of issues, including attachment difficulties, sleep problems, lying, stealing, food-related concerns, self-harm, anger, aggression, emotional regulation issues, and sexual abuse/harm.

The service provided consultations involving the child’s support network, specific assessments, therapeutic support to children, direct support to carers, group work, and professional advice. Training was also offered, notably using the PACE parenting model.

Referrals could be made by the child's social worker, the social worker of others involved, or directly by the child or young person.

In the current quarter, there had been 25 referrals: 17 were opened to CIOC CAMHS, 2 were signposted to the Alliance, 5 involved advice to the social worker, and 1 involved an out-of-area placement. The team currently managed 72 open CIOC cases.

The Board was provided with two anonymized case studies.

Discussion and Key Points

·       Noted improvements but continued concerns about access and specialist support.

·       Emphasis on CAMHS as a young people-identified priority area for the Board.

·       Members highlighted the need for ongoing scrutiny and stronger partnership working to address any service gaps.

RESOLVED that the discussion be noted and CAMHS developments continue to be monitored

The Board noted the Forward Plan.