Issue - meetings

To consider the report

To accept and note the report.

The report was submitted by the Head of Children and Supporting Families Department noting the following main points.

It was confirmed that the Child Practice Review had been held in November 2022 concentrating on Wales Safeguarding Procedures, Working Together to Safeguard People and the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.

It was detailed that the review was trying to determine to what extent the current structures and processes ensured that children were placed on the Child Protection Register and also removed from it when safe to do so.  It was also emphasised that it was an opportunity for joint learning, identifying good practice and positive systems of operating.

It was confirmed that Cyngor Gwynedd was one of five local authorities chosen to receive this review. It was noted that the review had taken place between 26th and 29th of March 2023 and that verbal feedback had been shared with the Head of Department and the Statutory Director of Social Services. It was explained that there was no specific report being published for Gwynedd, but that a composite report for the entire review would be published when the review came to an end.

A number of the findings that were relevant to Gwynedd were shared, including:

·       That children in Gwynedd were benefiting from different agencies sharing information effectively.

·       That there was a clear focus on risk assessment and to give specific attention to the threshold if the child had, or was likely to be suffering from significant harm,

·       That clear decisions were made regularly and based on evidence.

·       That good practice was in place and that the voice and life experiences of children were being taken into account when making decisions on safety.

·       It was recognised that further work was needed to develop opportunities for children to take part in conferences.

·       It was mentioned that the role of the social care practitioner was a valuable asset.

·       It was noted that clear communication with parents would take place especially when staff were trying to explain to the parent why they considered that their children were in danger of significant harm.

·       It was explained that the role of the case conference chair was essential in terms of reminding members of the objectives of the case conference held in accordance with the Wales Safeguarding Procedures.

The Department was thanked for the report.

RESOLVED:

To accept and note the report.