The Deputy Director (Children’s Social Care) will present a report   (Document “D”) which outlines the role of the Children in Care Council, the legislative background to its establishment, how it is supported by officers and the aims and outcomes for the young people involved, for Member’s information.

Recommended –

That Document “D” be noted.

(Mick Nolan - 01274 436760)

The Deputy Director (Children’s Social Care) presented a report (Document “D”) which outlined the role of the Children in Care Council (CICC), the legislative background to its establishment, how it is supported by officers and the aims and outcomes for the young people involved.

Representatives of the CICC were in attendance at the meeting and said that:

·         They had provided the information for the report and had approved it for submission to the Panel.

·         The Council was comprised of a diverse group of young people representing all those in care.

·         It was considered that the model used in Bradford was very effective; it assisted social care professionals in ascertaining the opinions of young people and their views on proposed ideas and initiatives.

·         Members of the Council also took an active part in training and recruitment.

·         It would be nice if the CICC had a higher profile.

They answered questions from Members:

·         There were usually at least 8 to 10 members at the CICC meetings, sometimes a lot more and it was organised to try and ensure that everyone who wished to could have an input.

·         New members sometimes came via recommendation from the young people others through referral by their social worker or other contacts. Membership was open to anyone in care or leaving care.

·         Attendees usually ranged from mid teens to 25 years old and the meetings had an agenda but were run in a casual relaxed atmosphere.  This could be a supportive environment for anyone who might have a lot going on at home.  The CICC was actively looking into facilitating participation by younger children and by those living in the residential homes.

·         Various senior officers, the Portfolio Holder and the Chair of this Panel attended when invited to do so . It would be a decision for the young people whether other Elected Members would be invited to attend.

·         Decisions at the meetings were usually reached by consensus or if this was not possible a clear majority.

The Deputy Director (Children's Social Care) said that:

·         The CICC had a twitter account and contact could be made with them via this.

·         Currently the youngest member of the Council was 14. 

·         Members did get travel expenses and refreshments. This could include, where necessary, for regional and national events.  On occasions payment would be made for participation in a consultation if this would take a considerable amount of time.

·         Funding had been provided for an apprenticeship and this person was now employed by the Council. It was intended to repeat this process.

Members expressed their thanks to the CICC for the informative report; some Members said that they had not realised how much work was involved for the young people concerned.

Resolved –

(1)       That Document “D” be welcomed as a valuable insight into the work of the Children in Care Council (CICC) and that the members of the CICC be thanked for their participation in a wide range of roles.

(2)       That the Deputy Director (Children’s Social Care) be requested to disseminate the information in Document “D” throughout the Council and to Elected Members in order to raise awareness of the Children in Care Council and its role.

ACTION:       Deputy Director (Children's Social Care)