Issue - meetings

Report CEF21033

The report provided an update of the progress of children in care and care leavers in Bromley and identify progress made against the outcomes identified in the corporate parenting strategy.

In opening the discussion the Chairman thanked the Head of Children Looked After and Care Leavers for the Member Information Session delivered in August.

The Head of Children Looked After and Care Leavers confirmed that more young people over the age of 21 were choosing to remain in contact with the service following the recent change in legislation extending services up to the age of 25.

The Committee noted that Bromley had recently re-entered the voluntary transfer of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and in the last three weeks had taken 2 young people.

Noting that 8% of children did not always feel safe where they lived a Member asked if anything more could be done to reduce the figure.  In response, the Head of Children Looked After and Care Leavers confirmed that Bromley’s performance compared favourably with other local authorities.  Members were remined that the 8% cohort was likely to include young people who were in custody.  The report before the committee reference particularly vulnerable young people, some who had difficult relationships.  The Department continued to look at support and there was a great deal of work ongoing including the recent recruitment of a mental health practitioner.

The Head of Children Looked After and Care Leavers confirmed that specific data on gender and sexual orientation was not captured as within this cohort it could be quite fluid.  The Department was continually mindful of the young people’s identity needs and individual support was put in place where required.

Members noted the good work being done in relation to the recruitment of foster carers and congratulated Officers on the progress being made.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.