Minutes:
1. Mrs Whittle gave an oral update on the following issues:-
· anOfsted Inspection of the Adoption Service is currently proceeding. There has been much improvement in the service since the Improvement Notice, and it is critical that progress is sustained. Updated figures: in 2012/13, 141 children have been placed for adoption (compared to 68 in 2011/12), 105 children have been formally adopted (compared to 70 in 2011/12) and there has been a 25% increase in the number of adopters recruited. The partnership with Coram is working well and challenging questions are being asked.
· Children and Families Bill
· Recently met with Our Children and Young People’s Council (OCYPC) and Care Leavers – these meetings had two keys themes in common: the need for stability of allocated social workers and adequate social worker recruitment.
· KCC Cabinet report on UASC burden on Council Tax payers of Kent – this seeks a unified approach, to resolve the previous clash of views between the Home Office and the content of the Children Act about local authorities’ duty to support young people who have exhausted all rights to stay (ARE cases). KCC is seeking a Court declaration about Kent’s responsibilities.
2. Mr Ireland then gave an oral update on the following issues:-
3. Mrs Whittle and Mr Ireland responded to comments and questions from Members and the following points were highlighted:-
a) it is important to be realistic about the rating that Ofsted are likely to give the Adoption service. It is very rare that a rating will go from ‘inadequate’ to ‘good’ in one step. It is likely to take three years to make the necessary improvements and for them to bed in, and this is the third year. The last stage of progress is often harder to make. It is hoped that, regardless of the rating awarded, the great improvement that KCC has made will be acknowledged in Ofsted’s report so the public can see what KCC has been doing to address problems;
b) it is important also not to be complacent and ‘satisfied’ but to be alert and look ahead for the next challenge. It is impossible to do too well;
c) it has previously been reported, incorrectly, that the number of children in care in Kent had reduced, as not all the children who should have been counted had been included in the total. Mrs Whittle undertook to rectify this error and advise Members of the correct figure;
d) regret was expressed that Ofsted inspectors were not able to observe the Cabinet Committee’s meeting, and it was suggested that they instead be invited to view the webcast if they wish to;
e) the challenge posed by UASC is ongoing, and a deal negotiated by a previous Government to address this has never been implemented. Legal advice is being sought about the possibility of getting a Courts declaration setting out Kent’s responsibilities. The Cabinet report will cover the range of impacts for Kent, eg on education, worklessness, etc;
f) it had previously been reported that the Adoption team is made up entirely of female staff. More male adoption workers would be welcomed, and it was confirmed that two good male candidates had come forward and were being considered. Universities could be encouraged to attract more men into social work courses, although the predominance of women in careers involving children is a long-established phenomenon; and
g) Kent still experiences much pressure from children in care placed by other local authorities, and Mrs Whittle and her team was thanked for the way in which the issue is being tackled.
4. The oral updates were noted, with thanks.