Rory Patterson, Director of Children’s Social Care, will give a presentation.
Minutes:
6.1 Rory Patterson, Director of Children’s Social Care talked through the PowerPoint (attached to the minutes) on ‘The use of Residential care in Southwark’. Alasdair Smith, Service Manager, Children’s Social Care contributed to the discussion.
6.2 The Director began by explaining that Children’s Services now know that the longer children are exposed to abuse, the more significant to the adverse affects and harm. Southwark Council has the highest number of care proceedings. There is a legacy of children who were in neglectful situations where Southwark took action to remove the children later.
6.3 The Director referred to the press attention that the council received about the 12 children who were placed in care homes out of the borough. The chair commented that good practice indicates that children should be less than 20 miles away from their family. He asked about the farthest home that children are placed outside of Southwark. The Director said that a number of children with high support needs are placed in a residential home in Cumbria. He mentioned a film made there by the new children’s rights officer where the children spoke about their experiences - they will say it is a good place; but they wished it was closer to home. He commented that many children are at risk of child sexual exploitation or may have been involved in criminal activity. Children and young people have access to therapeutic care in Cumbria, with education provided on site. They have a larger house; and a smaller terrace.
6.4 A member asked how Southwark compared with other local authorities and the Director said that Southwark Council’s placement rates outside the borough are more or less the same as similar councils. He said it is worth bearing in mind that somewhere like Kent is a big place. A child from Southwark could be still be close in a neighbouring borough; however the council is seeking more local foster care.
6.5 A member asked why the home in Cumbria was used rather than local provision. The Director explained that this is usually because multiple placements more locally that have not worked. In Cumbria all the children have stayed. He explained that there is also a factor about real estate costs – these are much higher in the city, and this could add £2000 a week in costs.
6.6 A member asked about the children’s return to Southwark. The Director said that a cohort is starting to return, with one young women coming back where the council is providing support in to help her independence. The Service Manager said the council is now considering what to do about placements in Cumbria; the education and support is very good, however the council is looking at more local provision and also increasing our foster care support. The Director added that the council are looking at commissioning together with Lambeth and other providers, but there are difficulties with property prices going up so this is not easy.
6.7 The Director said that there are sometimes issues with around sexuality, so a placement with a family might not be appropriate and the risk of child sexual exploitation and, or, gangs. Some children may abscond - which makes fosters carers anxious and is disruptive. There can also be criminal activity – which can work in foster placements, but is challenging as this could involve difficulties such as drug dealing and the subsequent consequences and dangers.
6.8 The Director said that some people think out of sight out of mind - but this could not be further from the truth. He explained that the Southwark children have an independent reviewing officer, as well as social workers. There is also a children's rights officer and young people are offered an advocate. In addition to this there are children’s relationships with care home staff.
6.9 A member asked about placements in Southwark made by other local authorities and if Children’s Services are involved. The Director said that the council is informed and the children placed locally to access services.
6.10 A member asked if the independent officers are local to the children in Cumbria. The Director said that they were sometimes, and often the advocates are. He agreed that this was a good point, and that there is an advantage for the local support to understand the local area. The Service Manager added that care homes do commission advocates. In Cumbria the children rights officer made a point of going there and will return within a year, and she is also in text contact. He also agreed that it is critical to have local advocates.
6.11 The Director commented that there are challenges around Transition we recognize. He explained that young people can now stay in foster care up to the age of 21 and the council is running a campaign for more foster carers. The local authority is looking at moving people from residential care to foster care - so a family can keep hold of young people for longer and while they complete higher education.
6.12 A member asked about reviews for children not in care homes. The Director explained that there are regular 6 month reviews, and when there are transitions or major events. She asked who would be there and he explained that Children’s Services aim to limit the number so the child does not feel overwhelmed – often the parents, teacher , therapists and the young person or child .