Issue - meetings

To scrutinise performance matters within the Department.

1.    To accept the report.

2.    To ask the Chair of the Council to consider convening an extraordinary meeting of the Full Council to give every member an opportunity to discuss and scrutinise the Response Plan to the 'Our Bravery Brought Justice' Child Practice Review.

3.    To request that the department develops new measures, showing that looked-after children are regularly seen by Council staff and another showing progress with the response Plan to the Justice Child Practice review.

The Chair asked what was the latest with the work programme responding to the Child Practice Review – Justice Through Our Courage and when would the committee receive a report on the work programme? In response, the Corporate Director confirmed there would be an extraordinary meeting of the Committee in January 2026. The process was explained, noting that the Council had established a Board and Response Plan, which had been revised and renewed since the Child Practice Review was published, and it was confirmed that there would be an opportunity for scrutiny at the extraordinary meeting. It was ensured that the Department was committed to act and respond fully to the recommendations. A request was made by members of the Committee for an extraordinary meeting of the Full Council to give all members the opportunity to scrutinise this all-important Plan.

The report was presented by the Cabinet member for Children and Families. An update was provided on what had been achieved by the children's department up to the end of September. It was noted that the Children and Supporting Families Department had two projects in progress in the Council's Plan, the Autism Plan and the Children's Residential Provision Development Scheme in small group care homes.

The Autism Plan was detailed, noting that the work was thriving and the demand for a service continued to rise. It was noted that the consultation system between the Autism Team and the social workers was working effectively, and several cases of early intervention and specialist support had resulted in a decrease in need and status, with many cases closed following intervention.

It was noted that the staff training programme continued and was developing with different levels of training, and the exact level to be achieved depended on the post. It was elaborated that the team was now training employees to facilitate and run support and educational groups and programmes for parents and carers as well as identity groups for autistic young people. It was reported that the 'Cuppa and Chat' groups for parents and carers and a Neuro club for young people continued to be successful. It was noted that the Niwro Cymru App, which had been developed by Awtistiaeth Gwynedd to provide information, advice and support to the community, was now available. It was noted that the funding for the scheme expired in 2027 and therefore consideration would need to be given to how to ensure future continuity of service from a sustainability perspective.

The plan to develop residential provision for children in care in a small group home, which had developed significantly, was detailed. It was noted that a home in Morfa Bychan was now operational, with two children living there. In response to an enquiry, it was confirmed that there was room for two children only in the home, to ensure a homely household for the children in line with the national strategy. It was explained that developments were taking place at the Deiniolen site, noting that a deputy manager had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7