Agenda item

The People and Communities Directorate would like to set out for the Panel the activity of the Independent Reviewing Officers (IRO) during 2014-2015.

The Deputy Safeguarding Lead for Children and Quality Assurance introduced this item to the Panel. She explained that the report sought to raise awareness of the work of the IRO service as part of the array of services to

children, young people and families provided by the Council and to provide assurance that the Council’s Corporate Parenting responsibilities are reviewed and monitored.

She highlighted to the Panel the steady improvement that had been made on the timeliness of reviews since 2009/2010 when it was 55%. Figures for 2014 / 15 showed 96.8% in Quarter 1, 96.4% in Quarter 2, 95.8% in Quarter 3 and 93.3% Quarter 4.

She stated that participation and feedback from children and young people was strongly encouraged.

Councillor Liz Hardman said that she had noted the increase in the number of BME children in care.

The Deputy Safeguarding Lead for Children and Quality Assurance replied that this does require further interrogation.

Edward Joseph asked if the recent cuts had had an effect on the number of children being placed in care.

The Deputy Safeguarding Lead for Children and Quality Assurance replied that early help measures may be part of the reason for the reduction in numbers and this would require ongoing scrutiny before knowing if this was a direct cause.

Councillor Matt Cochrane asked whether there were specific reasons that we struggle to fill the full roster of IROs and whether the Panel could help fill this quota.

The Deputy Safeguarding Lead for Children and Quality Assurance replied that this is an issue throughout the South West as the role requires a great deal of experience.

Edward Joseph commented that he was pleased to hear that feedback from children was listened to.

The Chair asked for the requirement for IROs to have independent legal advice through the Local Authority to be arranged within the next six months. She added that she also supported the view stated in paragraph 6.2 of the report regarding the Permanence Panel that ‘The IROs will have useful information to contribute to some case discussions and would welcome being invited to contribute by whatever means are most helpful’.

The Divisional Director for Children, Young People, Specialist Services asked if this would be through a physical presence or a mechanism to contribute.

The Chair replied that a mechanism would suffice. She also asked for a review in six months’ time of the new challenge process.

Edward Joseph asked how will young people become enabled to feel confident to make complaints.

The Deputy Safeguarding Lead for Children and Quality Assurance replied that they support all children and young people to complain and are looking to improve how children and young people understand what outcomes children want from a complaint.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked when more information relating to the BME children in care figures could be shared.

The Deputy Safeguarding Lead for Children and Quality Assurance replied that a 6 monthly update IRO report was due to be completed for the six month period ending in September and efforts will be made to address this issue therein September.

Councillor Alison Millar asked to be updated on the number of missing care plans.

The Deputy Safeguarding Lead for Children and Quality Assurance replied that progress has been made on this area and all should now be up to date.

The Panel noted the report.