Agenda item

Cabinet Member for Social Care, Safeguarding and Health presented Council with the Corporate Parenting Annual Report to provide a summary of the work and activity of the Corporate Parenting Panel at the ‘half-way point’ with regards to the objectives within the Corporate Parenting Strategy (2018 – 2021).

Over the last 18 months the Corporate Parenting Panel has continued to promote the Council’s duty towards children and young people who are looked after or who are care leavers with a focus on 9 priority areas:

The current Corporate Parenting Strategy (2018 – 2021) was endorsed by the Council in June 2018 (see appendix 1). The strategy is set around 9 priority areas:

Priority 1: All elected members and officers understand and act on their responsibilities as corporate parents

Priority 2: All looked after children have a safe and stable home

Priority 3: Looked after children enjoy a range of educational and learning opportunities

Priority 4: Looked after children enjoy the best possible health

Priority 5: Looked after children enjoy a range of play, sport, leisure and cultural opportunities

Priority 6: Looked after children are listened to and treated with respect

Priority 7: Looked after children are supported and enabled to achieve independence

Priority 8: Looked after children are cared for by Monmouthshire carers and remain close to their homes and communities

Priority 9: All care leavers are supported in education, training and employment

We welcomed care leavers Carys Davies and Catherine Morgan-Owen, and their personal advisor Mike Jones, who were in attendance to provide Council with an insight into the life of care leavers.

We heard of a recent event where 12 care leavers had attended to discuss with Corporate Parenting Panel the nine priority areas, and the areas for focus.  Main areas referenced included:

·       They did not like the term Corporate Parents as it was considered too business-like.  A new name is being considered.

·       There is difficulty for care leavers to attend the meetings of CPP due to work commitments.  Alternative days/times were suggested.

·       At age 18 young people are rushed to move out of their foster / residential accommodation, with no integration.  There is a need for supported lodging and ‘when I’m ready’ placements.

·       Through advertisements for foster carers there should be reference to say they are willing extend placements past the age of 18, and they should remain supported financially.

·       With regards to training and education for young people there is a shortage of apprenticeships and opportunities.  It was thought that Council should put care leavers first when it comes to apprenticeships.

·       There is a shortage of mental health services.

·       Care leavers leisure passes are a good idea but both ladies were still waiting for this.

·       Issues around loneliness and isolation were common and it was felt that care leavers events were a cathartic exercise.

Members commended our guests and thanked them for the insights provided.

When discussing apprenticeships it was acknowledged that the low rate of pay meant apprenticeships may not be suitable for those over the age of 18 in terms of living wage.

Members who had attended the Foster Carers event highly commended it and found it a moving experience.

A Member agreed that care leavers should be given priority in terms of housing, employment and education.  Employment should be considered a priority by this authority and associated partners.

Suitable accommodation should be addressed and Council should look at this with more care. 

The Chair wished to add her thanks and expressed that through working with officers and Members, and with all the care leaver contributions, will help people in the future. 

In summing up, the Cabinet Member explained how maters are being addressed and expressed the importance of attendance on the Corporate Parenting Panel, and asked that all parties are represented.

Council resolved to accept the recommendations:

To note the work and activity of the Corporate Parenting Panel over the last period within the context of the Corporate Parenting Strategy;

To endorse the on-going work of the Corporate Parenting Panel towards the objectives identified within the Strategy;

To consider the implications for all elected members and the wider council.