Agenda and draft minutes

(1)       Mr Leidecker updated the Committee on the general progress that had been made in this area since the Select Committee had submitted their report to Cabinet in December 2007.  He stated that the Select Committee work had been really important for Kent Adult Social Services (KASS) and Children, Families and Education (C, F & E) Directorates.   The Select Committee report combined with the national strategy had provided a platform to re-examine KCC’s approach with Carers organisations.  

(2)       Mr Leidecker mentioned the challenges of estimating the extent of demand and need for services from carers and in connection with this the complex definition of “carer”.  Although he believed progress had been made both Directorates he was not complacent and stressed the importance of recognising carers and treating them with dignity and respect to help them to live more normal lives.

(3)       KASS had made a significant contribution in financial terms and had  £3.4m reported level of expenditure in 2007/08.  In 2008/09 the Carers Grant was £1.1m from KASS.  This had been invested in a range of services in East and West Kent and Mental Health.  Mr Leidecker gave several examples  of the new services that had resulted which included an extra 4,000 hours in West Kent to enable carers to have a break.

(4)       Mr Leidecker stated that KASS had changed their approach to carers and carer organisations, to improve accountability to them.  KASS and C, F & E had held a seminar at the beginning of 2008 which had been attended by 21 carers organisations.  Following this a representative group had been set up to identify priorities for 2008/09 and in addition the standing advisory group was set up and its terms of reference agreed.  This group had now met twice and was due to meet again shortly.  He introduced Mrs Hagan from the Maidstone Carers Project who was a co- chairman of the Carers Advisory Group. 

(5)       Mr Leidecker mentioned that there had been some progress in relation to engagement with the NHS and in the next couple of months they would be consolidating a multi-agency strategy.  Next years each PCT would have approximately £600,000 to support carers and how this money was to be used would form part of the strategy. 

(6)       In conclusion Mr Leidecker emphasised that carers issues would looked at along with other government strategies including dementia and end of life.

(7)       Ms Hornsby and Mr Hickmott answered questions from Members specifically related to young carers and also showed an extract from a DVD which had been made by young carers and explained in their own words what life was like for them.   This would be used in schools along with training materials for teachers, governors and multi-agency partners.  Mr Hickmott stated that the Children and Young Persons Plan had identified key actions for Young Carers to be cascaded down to Local Children Services Partnerships.  In addition guidance for schools on young carers had been placed on the Kent Children’s Trust Website.

(8)       Ms Hornsby  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.