Agenda item

(To receive a six monthly report from Carolyn Knight, Quality and Standards Manager, which provides the Corporate Parenting Panel with an overview of the Independent Reviewing Service for the period April to September 2019)

The Panel received a report from Carolyn Knight, Quality and Standards Manager, which provided an overview of the Independent Reviewing Service for the period April to September 2019.

Attached to the report at Appendix A, was a copy the Independent Chair's Service Six Monthly report. 

The report presented provided evidence relating to the Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs) services in Lincolnshire, as required by statutory guidance.  It was noted that due to the core business of the team, the report also included child protection, short breaks and Regulation 44.

The Panel received an update on the priorities for 2019/20.  It was highlighted that Signs of Safety was being further embedded across the service with the provision of family network meetings, safety plans and wherever possible making sure that parents were well informed.  The Panel noted that more restorative practice was being undertaken.  It was noted further that Life Links was a new strand of work being offered through the Family Group Conference Service for Looked After Children over the age of 15; and Care Leavers to enable them to develop a life time of support from the people they choose. 

It was reported that mental health was being focused on more, as part of Looked After Children Reviews; and that all IRO's would be undertaking the LSCP mental health course.  It was highlighted that the aim was for all Independent Chairs to have completed the mental health training by 31 March 2020. 

Further information relating to the Priorities for 2019/20 was detailed on pages 18 to 22 of the report.

It was reported that the Chairs continued to focus on checking the availability and quality of Plans and to escalate if they were missing details or were not up to date.  It was noted a Care Plan/Chairs report had been launched at the beginning of April 2019, as a cooperative system workflow between social work and the IRO team.  It was noted further there had been improvements as a result of this, but it was still work in progress.

The Panel noted that the number of children subject to a Child Protection Plan had steadily increased between 1 April 2019 and 30 September 2019.  Details were provided on pages 38 to 40 of the report.  It was reported that 100% of child protection meetings were held within timescale. 

In conclusion, the Panel was advised that the last six months had seen continued progress in the development of the service.  The Panel was advised further that the priorities identified earlier in the year were all on track to be achieved by the end of March 2020.  The Panel noted that there had also been significant scrutiny and feedback by Ofsted in April 2019 and a Learning Day in October.  The Panel noted further that the feedback from both of these events had been extremely positive.

During discussion, the Panel raised the following points:-

·         Timelines for reviews – The Panel was advised that there were statutory guidelines as to the timing of reviews.  Reassurance was given that reviews would be done as and when necessary; and that young people could ask for a review, but they would normally be led by professionals.  The Panel noted that the attendees to a review would comprise of key people the young person wanted to be present.  It was highlighted that time and location of the reviews would also be down to the young person.  It was highlighted further that over the last few years, a lot of progress had been made with regard to review meetings, making sure that young people were comfortable and happy with everything associated with their review.  Some members felt that it might be useful to sit in on a review if the young person was willing for them to attend.  Officers advised that this request could be arranged, and the Panel agreed that Councillor S R Parkin should attend one and feedback to the rest of the Panel.  Officers agreed to look into the matter; and

·         Maintaining contact with young people who were placed out – The Panel was advised that most Looked After Children placed were in the county.  It was highlighted contact could be made face to face, by phone, text; and that going forward it was hoped to make contact by Skype.

Overall, the Panel was satisfied with the progress made on the identified priorities for 2019/2020.

RESOLVED

1.    That the Independent Reviewing Service - Six Monthly Report presented be received.

2.    That arrangements be made by officers for Councillor S R Parkin to attend a review meeting and then provide feedback to a future Corporate Parenting Panel meeting.