Issue - meetings

To receive a report giving details of the new Corporate Parenting Board’s structure.

The Committee received the Corporate Parenting Board (CPB) Review report which was set out in agenda pages 25-36.  The report was presented by Adam Davis, Assistant Director for Children’s Social Care and Early Help.

Councillor Kerr stated that the proposal showed limited involvement of Foster Carers.  In her opinion the Local Authority should be reaching out to Foster Carers, especially in relation to receiving the views of young children who may not be able to articulate themselves very well.  Adam Davis agreed to reflect on this.

Councillor Kerr asked Officers about the best way for Councillors to facilitate conversations with Children In Care (CIC) and Foster Carers at social events.

Adam Davis stated that there were various events during the year that Corporate Parent Members could attend to meet the CIC, such as the Christmas party and the summer event.  However, the attendance by Councillors last year was low.  Councillors could also get involved in one to one visits with the CIC’s Advocate where they could explain about their role to children in care and care leavers and receive feedback.

Members agreed that CPB needed reforming and were pleased with the proposal to improve the Board.

Some Members expressed concern that with the reduced number of meetings of the Board might not allow sufficient time to review all the reports that needed to be analysed.  Adam Davis stated that the service was planning the forward plan for CPB to ensure that reports were presented to the Board at the right times in the year.

Adam Davis stated that the new structure aimed to facilitate communication and develop relationships with the CIC. 

Some Members expressed concern that the operational board would create extra work for Officers.  Adam Davis stated that this would not be an issue because there would be two less meeting of CPB which would free up Officers’ time.

Councillor Croy stated that Councillor Rachel Burgess, who was a Member of CPB, had expressed concern that she had repeatedly asked for reports and not received them.

Members would like to continue to receive updates on the development of the proposal.

RESOLVED That:

1)     The Committee would receive regular updates on the work of Corporate Parenting Board; and

2)     The report be noted.