Issue - meetings

To accept and note the information in the report.

The report was submitted by Cllr Elin Walker Jones

DECISION

To accept and note the information in the report.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted noting that it updated the members on the department's work. Attention was drawn to the department's projects within the Council plan as follows.

In terms of the Small Group Homes Scheme, it was highlighted that the department had purchased a property in the Dwyfor area to develop a registered residential home for small groups to enable them to receive their care in Gwynedd. It was explained there would be a recruitment process for posts in this scheme and a recruitment afternoon would be held in Porthmadog during June for the posts of deputy manager and residential workers.

It was added that in terms of the Autism Plan, children, young people and adults were finding it difficult to access the required specialist support. It was highlighted that improving provision was a plan to make it easier for individuals and family to transfer between different services. It was expressed that the team was continuing to work on the Llwybrau Ni project, which would provide social opportunities for young people, breaks for parent and carers of individuals who had an autism diagnosis, who were awaiting an assessment/diagnosis and individuals who would not reach the criteria for specialist services when they transitioned to adulthood. Members of the public were encouraged, if the opportunity arose, to go on the autism bus which provided individuals the opportunity to experience the reality of autism.

It was explained that workforce capacity remained a matter of concern but there was work in the pipeline to try to stabilise the situation. It was highlighted that the department had been part of a national fostering campaign to attract people to consider fostering. Since the last report, Gwynedd had appointed a second recruitment officer for the south of the County.

In terms of the department's measures, it was noted that overall, she was happy with the performance and there was only one measure causing concern for the Member. In terms of the budget it was noted that the department had overspent last year as a result of out-of-county spending, it was expressed that with the small homes scheme operational it was hoped that the services would be maintained internally rather than by external providers. 

Observations arising from the discussion

·         It was asked whether elected members could become foster parents, it was explained that there were no rules to prevent them from becoming foster parents and it was emphasised that individuals should contact the department if they were interested in fostering.

·         Gratitude was expressed for the work of leading the Small Homes Scheme, that would ensure that not only support would be available internally but also within Gwynedd communities.