Issue - items at meetings - Independent Visitors

Report of the Executive Director for Children’s Services (copy to follow).

64.1      RESOLVED:

(1)          That it be noted that the Independent Visiting Service was currently unable to meet the needs of providing an Independent Visitor for each child in care who would like one; but that performance in Brighton & Hove was significantly better than the reported performance nationally; and

(2)          That the Directorate be asked to explore ways of increasing the overall capacity of the service to extend provision to more children in care.

64.1      The Chair noted that she had accepted a late paper for the meeting which could not be finalised in time for publication with the agenda papers and invited the Assistant Director of Children’s Safeguarding & Care to introduce the report.

64.2      The Assistant Director of Children’s Safeguarding & Care thanked the Chair and stated that the report provided an update on the Independent Visiting Service that was managed within the Families, Children & Learning directorate.  The council had a good record for providing independent visitors but noted that it was a significant commitment for those people.  She also noted that currently there was a demand for ten independent visitors and that it was hoped to extend that provision should it be necessary to do so.

64.3      Members of the Committee welcomed the report and noted that it was an important service which made a difference to young people’s lives.  They also noted that all councillors were effectively Corporate Parents and should therefore be mindful of their own roles and responsibilities.

64.4      The Chair thanked Members for their comments and put the recommendations to the vote which were carried.

64.5      RESOLVED:

(1)          That it be noted that the Independent Visiting Service was currently unable to meet the needs of providing an Independent Visitor for each child in care who would like one; but that performance in Brighton & Hove was significantly better than the reported performance nationally; and

(2)          That the Directorate be asked to explore ways of increasing the overall capacity of the service to extend provision to more children in care.