The report of the Deputy Director, Children’s Social Care (Document “H”) provides information regarding the issues regarding addressing EU Settled Status for Children in Care and Care Leavers and issues regarding application for passports and citizenship. 

Recommended –

That the Corporate Parenting Panel are asked to note this report.

(Rachel Curtis – 01274 435779)

The report of the Deputy Director, Children’s Social Care (Document “H”) provided information on the issues regarding addressing EU Settled Status for Children in Care and Care Leavers and also their applications for passports and citizenship.

Members were advised that since the last report to the Panel there had been a change in focus because of Brexit in order that the correct documentation was in place for all children in care to ensure that they had settled status by the June 2021 deadline.  This had proved difficult when children did not have the required documents and had required considerable input to secure the relevant documentation.  The complex process of obtaining settled status for children of a number of nationalities was outlined by way of illustration.  It was noted that other Local Authorities were also experiencing the same difficulties as Bradford regarding the complexities of the process.  I was noted that new guidance had been published in April which involved  more rigorous tracking process and that a member of staff was now in post to help with applications for settled status.  It was noted that an alternative was to apply for British citizenship which was a more straight forward process but cost £13,000. There were 10 children who had gained British citizenship and a number of cases were pending.

The Chair stressed the need to ensure that all 81 looked after children had settled status by the June 2021 deadline.

A member referred to the route to apply for settled status where there are no documents and was advised that Rotherham had been successful in pursuing this approach and that Bradford was following their lead.  It was noted that UK-Butterflies, a non-profit organisation that works with Eastern European families, was pursuing the issues that the Polish Government did not recognise British Care Orders to assist in resolving this issue.

It was noted that there was now someone in post and that time was not wasted trying to find documentation and a paper route was started straight away if there was no documentation.

A member asked for reassurance that documentation would be kept for all looked after children so that their status could be permanently documented.  The importance of being able to document the status of looked after children was acknowledged and it was noted that every child was reviewed every 6 months by the Independent Reviewing Officer.  Government guidance required that a track be kept of all records.

A member stressed the importance of sharing best practice with other Local Authorities.  She sought clarification on the financial implications of the additional work for Social Workers and was advised that a small amount of funding had been made available to Local Authorities.

The Children and Families Portfolio Holder asked for assurance that Bradford would be compliant by June 2021.  The Deputy Director Children’s Social Care confirmed that finance had been allocated and that centralised dedicated resources had been put in place.  He accepted that progress in Bradford had been slow but he assured members that it would move more quickly and that it was a high priority on their Management Team agenda.  The Chair thanked him for this reassurance but stressed that members needed to know that the June 2021 deadline would be achieved.

Resolved –

(1)          That the Director of Children’s Services be asked to ensure that a thorough paper trail is kept that documents the journey of all Looked After Children pursuing EU Settled Status or British Citizenship.

(2)          That partnership working with other authorities be continued, sharing best practice.

(3)          That a progress report be presented to the Panel in January 2021.

(4)          That the Deputy Director Children’s Social Care send a summary by letter of the report, to all of the District’s MPs, so that if they receive any information or queries about this matter they are aware of the work being carried out in Bradford and the relevant deadlines.

 ACTION: Director of Children’s Services

                 Deputy Director Children’s Social Care