Issue - meetings

This report was requested to provide assurance that all the relevant policies, procedures and strategies of this Council recognise and address the particular needs of the children of alcoholics.

The Corporate Director introduced this report to the Panel. He explained that the Council resolved at its March 2018 meeting that it has a responsibility to support the children of alcoholics and to ensure that the needs of these children are met.

He stated that the initial review of policies, procedures and strategies indicates that we have a range of positive measures in place to ensure that the children of alcoholics have their needs identified, and that families can access appropriate support to address these needs.

He said that further work is required to complete the review and produce a set of recommendations to further improve the existing arrangements and that the Council has asked that we share the findings with the National Association for the Children of Alcoholics (NACOA) and invite them to comment on our support offer. He added that a further report will be brought to Panel when this has been completed.

Councillor Paul May added that he thought the Panel would benefit from receiving a presentation on the Complex Trio that had been previously given to the Health & Wellbeing Board by the Service Manager, Connecting Families.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if the presentation could also be given to the Corporate Parenting Group.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the positive assurance provided from the initial analysis work described in this report and to receive a further report in due course when the assessment has been completed and shared with the National Association for the Children of Alcoholics (NACOA).