To consider the Children’s Services Performance Report for October 2018.
Minutes:
Documents considered:
· Performance Report Children’s Services October 2018
Discussion:
The Head of Service advised that performance has increased across the service and in particular that 98% of CLA visits were undertaken and 100% of Child Protection visits were undertaken in Welshpool is commendable. This increase has been across the board and is despite an increase in demand. 3 Social Worker trainees that the service have sponsored through training have qualified this year.
It is good that three social workers sponsored by the local authority have recently qualified. Are there more local authority social workers currently undergoing training?
The Head of Service advised that a review of training in the service was currently being undertaken. She was keen to encourage people who work within the service to train as there is anecdotal evidence that local nonqualified staff who are supported through their qualifications are more likely to stay once they have qualified.
Are staff undertaking a management role appropriately qualified and experienced?
All managers hold appropriate qualifications. If additional support is required for managers supporting newly qualified staff or for complex cases this supported has been sourced.
Whilst the report shows an improving trend there are a number of indicators which are still showing red. In particular, it is concerning that staff are still not having regular supervisions. There is also a lack of information regarding the work of the Independent Reviewing Officers.
The Head of Service confirmed that the performance report was being built and there was an opportunity to develop it so that it could be properly analysed. The role of the IRO is important and this role will be boosted during the restructure of staff in the New Year.
The report shows that 18 children were removed from Child Protection but 20 were placed under Child Protection. Had any of the children who were placed under Children Protection been on the Child Protection Register previously?
The Head of Service confirmed that she had reviewed these figures and would be able to provide scrutiny with this information.
The Portfolio Holder confirmed that there had been an increase in CLA across Wales of around 8%.
The report shows a gradually improving picture but with staff levels that are surprisingly high and with a really high spend. How sustainable is this improvement?
The Head of Service advised that she had observed that people who work for Powys are committed to make this work but are working in a structure which makes it difficult. Specialist Assessment Teams have been set up and further change will continue to be undertaken. It is necessary to have the workforce support to enable this change to take place which will hopefully result in staff who have left the organisation being attracted to return.
Why has there been an increase in CLA and what is causing this surge in demand?
The Social Services and Well-Being Act gives opportunities to stem the demand by offering early intervention.
The Director confirmed that commissioning is also fundamental and a cohesive approach to commissioning for children’s and adults will take place under the new structure agreed by the Acting Chief Executive. The Start Well Programme and Health and Care Strategy will both be fundamental to this. The authority need early intervention services to meet demand and also need a safety net of services to ensure all children are protected.
Budgetary concerns for this service were expressed.
The Head of Children’s Services acknowledged the concerns regarding the cost of the service and advised that she was reviewing every placement to ensure that the service was only paying for what had been provided.
The Portfolio Holder confirmed that a recent meeting had taken place between finance staff and children services staff to improve understanding from both sides regarding finance methodology and service pressures to improve financial ownership within the service.
The Head of Children’s Services confirmed that there was a lack of children’s placements within Powys and there were occasions when it was necessary to look out of county. Part of the review of placements will identify those which are required to be out of county due to the type of care required and those that are out of county because of a lack of placements within Powys.
What is the process for the staff restructure?
The Head of Children’s Services confirmed that the restructure would be sent for consultation in January with the intention that there is a phased handover of cases in April to ensure that proper sight of the children that are being cared for is in place at all time. There is a risk which will be mitigated with careful planning of the phased approach. This restructure is in-house but the service will be developing early help services with the 3rd Sector
Recommendations:
1. That information regarding the re-referral rate in Child Protection be provided to scrutiny
2. That Performance continue to be monitored
3. That further information regarding the joint work with 3rd Sector organisations on early help be included in the scrutiny work programme
Supporting documents: