Agenda item

It was not possible to circulate this report five clear days in advance of the meeting. The chair agreed to accept this item as urgent as the report had been planned for corporate parenting committee on 19 April 2023 and has been requested some time ago. This was the last committee meeting of the municipal year and may be comprised of different membership in July 2023. The report to be considered as urgent to ensure all matters in relation to special guardianship are considered by the committee. 

Queries arising from the presentation:

·  Ethnicity breakdown and the need to know the specific country of origin. Officers explained that the support plan would address these issues, including intergenerational trauma and would delve much deeper

·  The designated doctor for looked after children referenced the issue of the normal pathways of referral and children subject to special guardianship orders could be seen ‘early’ by her team

·  Issues of SGOs in black communities and the feeling of not being supported in terms of access and support and feelings that special guardians struggle or are not sure how to contact the relevant team.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the contents of the report about the activity of the council in assessing and supporting children who may become or are subject to special guardianship orders (SGO) be noted.

2.  That in response to the issues raised about support for SGO children and access to support, Jenny Taylor (head of clinical service) to raise at the children’s and young people mental health and wellbeing board to have these discussions as part of the overall health and wellbeing strategy.

3.  That a leaflet be drafted that can be given to special guardians on what is available and who to contact for support. This can also be circulated via the relevant networks that special guardians might use.