Agenda item

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 been appointed along with five residential workers for the second house in Deiniolen. It was confirmed that the staff had commenced in their posts. It was noted that the department was still awaiting official registration of the homes, and this was expected soon from Care Inspectorate Wales. It was explained that other counties in Wales were developing residential provisions for children, which placed pressure on Care Inspectorate Wales, therefore, there was now a waiting list for registration. It was hoped that both houses would be fully registered by February 2026. It was noted that the Department was in the process of purchasing a house in Cricieth and hoped that the work would be completed in 2026. It was noted that there was an effort to provide a residential home as part of the residential provision scheme in the Meirionnydd area, but it was highlighted that there were restrictions due to the housing market and the difficulties of finding a suitable home for the children.

The Department's day-to-day work was detailed, noting that there were 283 looked after children in Gwynedd. It was expressed that the Department had seen positive developments, with 4% of children leaving care and returning home in the last year. It was evidenced that the voice of the child and young people was a priority for the department, noting that the child's voice and opinions were heard in 94% of case conferences. It was noted that the number of young people entering the Youth Justice Service had fallen by 13% fallen by -13%. It was reported that Gwynedd Family Service had been successful in extending a 2-year-old childcare scheme with 9 additional provisions enabling more families to receive support.

Concerns were raised about the number of referrals received by the referrals team. It was reported that 2025 had been the busiest year since its inception. The Derwen Service was reported to be under pressure, with over 500 open cases. It was noted that the 16+ Team also continued to report that demand for services was at its highest, with 238 cases open. It was explained that the number of cases and staff shortages created concern and high work pressure. The measures in place to address the challenges were outlined, noting that 5 bids to fund 7 posts in the operational teams had been successful. It was noted that this had ensured additional support for the Derwen service and provided consistency to support services for children and families in Gwynedd.

During the discussion, the following comments arose.

·       It was expressed that Gwynedd had more looked after children than any other county in Wales. In considering this, the good work that was going on in the department to meet the need in the county was praised, thanking all the staff for their tireless work in supporting the children and families of Gwynedd.

·       It was suggested that new measures should be developed to manage and monitor looked after children and that they are regularly seen by Council staff, as part of the Council's responsibilities as a corporate parent

·       It was suggested that measures showing progress should be developed with a Response Plan to the Child Practice Review report, for this Committee to monitor and measure performance.

·       A question was asked about the success of foster carer recruitment campaigns and what was the situation with the number of foster parents in Gwynedd at present. In response, details were given of the recruitment campaigns, and it was noted that they were successful in attracting an increasing number of foster parents. It was noted that there are approximately 70 foster families in Gwynedd, but it was stated that the Council continued to make use of external agencies due to the increasing and ongoing demand. It was elaborated that the Council works regionally and works collaboratively across the 6 counties of North Wales to provide foster care.

·       It was recognised that it had been a challenging time for the Children and Families Department and the concerns about the stability and management of the department were recognised. The department was thanked for their hard work to ensure the welfare and safety of children. It was expressed that the Council was working to develop a stable position in the department, noting that the employees were constantly receiving support, occupational health services and counselling. It was explained that the Cabinet would soon consider a financial bid to respond fully to the Children's Plan Review.

DECISION

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 Our Bravery Brought Justice Child Practice Review.