The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Friday 14 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the re-commissioning of the Lincolnshire Leaving Care Service, the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Transformation Programme, and the Families First for Children Pathfinder Programme. Decisions were made to support the re-commissioning of the Leaving Care Service and to continue with the Mental Health Transformation Programme.

Re-commissioning of the Lincolnshire Leaving Care Service

The committee considered a report on the re-commissioning of the Lincolnshire Leaving Care Service (LLCS), currently managed by Barnardo’s. The contract with Barnardo’s is set to end on 31 March 2025, with no option for extension. Given that leaving care is a statutory service, the committee explored the benefits of insourcing the service to be delivered internally by the County Council.

Benefits and Impact of Insourcing

The committee discussed the potential benefits of insourcing, including:

• Outreach Continuity: Assurance was provided that insourcing would not affect the council’s outreach to care leavers living out of county.
• Integration with Adult Care: Insourcing would enable better integration with the Adult Care and Community Wellbeing directorate, enhancing support for care leavers.
• Career Pathways: Insourcing could stop the cycle of leaving care workers moving to other roles within the council, providing a more stable career pathway.
• Training and Staffing: Concerns were raised about the continuation of training provided by Barnardo’s, but it was noted that the council could develop its own training programmes.

Staffing and Office Space

The committee was assured that the council’s office space could accommodate the insourced service. There was confidence that the additional staffing requirements could be met, given the success of recent recruitment efforts.

Performance Monitoring and Costs

Performance monitoring would continue with existing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and statutory returns. The budget for the insourced service would include pension contributions and account for the potential growth in the number of children in care and care leavers.

Integration of Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC)

The committee discussed the integration of UASC, emphasising the importance of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision to help them integrate into the community.

The committee resolved to support the recommendations to the Executive Councillor for Children’s Services, Community Safety, Procurement and Migration.

Children and Young People’s Mental Health Transformation Programme

The committee reviewed a report on the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Transformation Programme. The programme aims to update mental health services for children and young people (CYP) in partnership with the Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) and other organisations.

Key Points Discussed

• Increased Referrals: Referrals to CYP mental health services have increased since the pandemic, with more complex needs.
• Accessibility and Support: The programme aims to improve accessibility for parents, reduce waiting times, and ensure effective communication regarding ongoing support.
• Transition Services: Workshops will be held to improve transition services based on the needs of CYP.
• Equitable Support: The council aims to ensure that mental health support is equitable across Lincolnshire, despite the challenges posed by the county’s rurality.

The committee expressed satisfaction with the work undertaken so far and resolved to continue supporting the programme.

Families First for Children Pathfinder Programme

The committee received an update on the Families First for Children Pathfinder Programme, which Lincolnshire County Council is implementing alongside Dorset and Wolverhampton. The programme focuses on safeguarding, family help, child protection, and family networks.

Key Points Discussed

• Recruitment: Around 80% of previously vacant roles have been filled, with contingency measures in place for the remaining positions.
• Funding and Sustainability: The programme is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) until 2025. The continuation of funding depends on the programme’s success, which underscores the importance of evidence collection.
• Managing Expectations: Staff are managing families’ expectations by informing them that the programme may not be permanent.

The committee resolved to continue reviewing and commenting on the development and implementation of the programme.

Work Programme

The committee considered and agreed on its work programme, ensuring that its scrutiny activity is focused where it can be of greatest benefit. An update on the Families First for Children Pathfinder Programme will be added to the work programme.