Agenda item

Sarah Hammond (Corporate Director for Children’s Young People and Education) and Mark Albiston (Director of Adult Social Care) were in attendance for this item

1.    Mrs Chandler (Cabinet member for Integrated Children’s Services) introduced the report on the transfer of statutory functions delivered by the 18-25 section of the Strengthening Independence Service (SIS) from the Children Young People and Education Directorate to the Adult Social Care and Health Directorate from 1 April 2025. The transfer of the service was to align with legal responsibilities, it did not impact on the level of service being provided by to those young people within that cohort. The council recognised the challenges inherent to the transition from  young people’s services to adult services and was working on a larger initiative to ensure the process was more coordinated and supportive. By addressing these needs earlier in the young people's lives, the council aimed to provide a smoother and more beneficial transition, ultimately improving outcomes for these vulnerable individuals and their families.

2.    Mr Watkins (Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care) re-emphasised the importance of the transition from children’s to adults services and whilst children's services focused on protecting the child, adult services prioritised fostering independence. This strategic shift aimed to empower young people to live as independently as possible, giving them greater control over their lives.

3.    Mrs Hammond (Corporate Director for Children’s Young People and Education) elaborated on the responsibilities of the Director of Children's Services for a specific subset of young adults. Out of the total cohort of 920 individuals, 330 had an active Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). These EHCPs would continue to be overseen and managed by the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) service within the Education Division. This ensured that the educational and developmental needs of these young adults were met appropriately. Additionally, there was a smaller group within this cohort who were previously in the care of the local authority as children. These individuals would retain their care-leaver status, which entitled them to continued support, advice, and services from children's services.  Therefore whilst these young adults were to funded by adult social care and were legally the responsibility of the Director of Adult Social Care, the collaboration between children's and adult services was essential. This joint effort aimed to resolve historical challenges in service delivery, ensuring that the transition from children's to adult services was a seamless transition and that the young adults received comprehensive support.

4.    Mr Albiston (Director of Adult Social Care) advised that the transfer was to support better alignment with the new regulatory framework, particularly with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as adult social care was to be included in their inspections. The recent assurance visit in Kent underscored the importance of this alignment. The transfer also acknowledged the fundamental change in the relationship between social care and parents once a young person become an adult, highlighting key legislative changes and assurance arrangements. The immediate focus was on minimising disruption for young adults, parents, carers, and staff, however, plans were in place for future strategic developments and the broader, long-term vision for transitions of young people. Communication with parents and young people would be enhanced to ensure they understood the implications of this decision.

5.    RESOLVED that Cabinet agreeto transfer the statutory functions delivered by the 18-25 section of the Strengthening Independence Service, including the transfer of workforce in services, from the Children Young People and Education Directorate to the Adult Social Care and Health Directorate from 1 April 2025; and that delegated authority be given to the Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and Health in consultation with the Corporate Director Children, Young People and Education to take the relevant actions, including but not limited to, awarding, finalising the terms of and entering into the relevant contracts or other legal agreements, as necessary, to implement the decision