Minutes:
1. Mrs Whittle gave an oral update on the following issues:-
· Peer Review follow up – focus now needs to be on three key aims: the child’s journey, the constant need to recruit more adopters, and reducing drift and delay. A pack of papers will be put together for the Adoption Summit and will be shared with all Members.
· Adoption Summit 4 December – a letter about this will be sent to all Members.
· National Adoption Week 5 – 9 November
· Adoption figures for the year so far – Since April 2012:-
71 children have been placed for adoption, compared to 68 children in the same period in 2011/12. The aim is to place 100 – 120 children by the end of this financial year. Over 50% of children awaiting placement are siblings, and over 30% are aged over 5.
55 Adoption Orders have been made. It takes nine months between a child being placed for adoption and an Adoption Order being made.
40 Adopters have been recruited, compared to 57 in the same period in 2011/12.
2. Mr Ireland then gave an oral update on the following issues:-
· Peer Safeguarding Review – the final written version of the assessment is due soon. The review team had been very impressed with Kent staff, and deep dive reviews of performance have shown good outcomes from the review and evidence of determination to continue progress. Staff and management briefings have been held to take forward key issues, and District Managers have done much work, but there is still much to do. The Chairman of the KSCB is taking an active role.
· Implementation of new structure – the new structure is now in place and staff feel positive about the changes (as shown in deep dive reviews)
· Children in Care conference – KCC staff participated. The engagement of young people was highlighted as a key issue.
3. Mrs Whittle, Mr Ireland and Ms MacNeil responded to comments and questions from Members and the following points were highlighted:-
a) some children are difficult to place for adoption and may never be adopted. What work goes on to help the most vulnerable children? KCC is committed to finding the right package of support for each child, based on their individual needs, and every case is different. It is vital to get the support right;
b) would the age range of adopters be extended to help increase the numbers? KCC is open minded in attracting a diverse resource of adopters, including a range of ages, but clearly it is practical to set an upper age limit so adopters can be confident of seeing a child through to adulthood;
c) how do issues raised by the Reer Review relate to those raised by the Parliamentary Select Committee, eg the allegation that Kent gives only good news to Members, and the suggestion that more children should be taken into care? The Select Committee alleged that local authorities miss some neglect cases and should take more children into care. Outcomes of being in care are generally poor but early intervention and preventative services can address issues. It is important to check that intervention is happening at the right stage. Issues in Kent are dealt with in as open and transparent a manner as possible. The issue of giving only good news to Members was raised with the Select Committee and the allegation was then deleted from a later draft of the formal review letter. A report on the Parliamentary Select Committee’s findings will be made to the Corporate Parenting Panel in the new year; and
d) one issue not covered in Adoption debates is that taking young people into care does not necessarily make them safer. Coverage of outcomes of being in care should always be included, as these are not usually good. The issue of deciding when best to take a child into care is always a dilemma.