Cyflwynwyd gan:Cyng / Cllr. Dilwyn Morgan
Decision:
The report
on the work of the Strategic Safeguarding Children and Adults Panel was
accepted.
Minutes:
The report was submitted by Cllr Dilwyn Morgan
DECISION
The report on the work of
the Strategic Safeguarding Children and Adults Panel was accepted.
DISCUSSION
The report was submitted noting that the purpose of the report was to
provide an update on the work of the Strategic Safeguarding Panel. It was
stressed that safeguarding was a priority for all within the county and that it
had been heightened during the Covid-19 period.
It was noted that the report summarised the work of the panel, with references
to the reports of external auditors and the Annual Report of the Corporate
Director for the period of two years. It was explained that, although the
timing of the report had slipped, this was not a reflection of the work of the
panel during the period in question.
The Corporate Director apologised that the report was late, but it was
stated that it was a comprehensive report. It was noted that there was a brief
delay before meeting at the beginning of the pandemic but it was stated that
the panel had met throughout the past year, and this highlighted that
safeguarding was a priority within the Council. Everyone's commitment to this
field was appreciated.
Attention was drawn to the effect of the pandemic on safeguarding and it
was noted that the number of referrals had reduced for a while but the number
was increasing as aspects of the pandemic adapted. It was noted that it was
encouraging that these trends were consistent with the picture seen across
Wales, and that national and regional discussions were continuing to look at
these trends.
It was noted that progress had been made with the work programme.
Attention was drawn to the good work of raising awareness that was being done
continuously, but it was stated that training data remained a concern as the
figure for the number of council staff attending training was not 100%. It was
added that the panel was looking at the best way of sharing the information
with staff. The work that was being done in partnership and regionally and
nationally was highlighted. It was further stated that the internal panel had
merged community safety within the Safeguarding Panel.
Attention was drawn to the increase in the number of parents deciding to
educate their children from home and it was highlighted that safeguarding
guidelines were not in place for these children. It was noted that this matter
should be looked into further.
Observations arising from the discussion
¾ A question was asked
about the number of children being educated from home and the reasons for the
increase. It was stated that the Head of Education Department should be asked
about the reasoning behind the decisions but it was noted that procedures were
in place in order to contact the individuals who choose to educate from home.
¾ It was noted that the
domestic violence rate was low specifically after the lockdown. Concern about
this field was raised and it was noted that specific officers within the field
were working closely with heads to try to make everything as simple as possible
for individuals who genuinely needed support. It was added that there was an
expectation that numbers would increase following the pandemic and that a
population needs assessment would need to be created after this period
¾ The staff were
thanked for their work during the pandemic.
Awdur:Morwena Edwards
Supporting documents: