The Corporate Parenting Committee of Southwark Council was scheduled to discuss a range of important topics concerning children in care and care leavers. Key discussions were planned around substance misuse, annual reports on corporate parenting, fostering, adoption, and the work of Independent Reviewing Officers. The committee was also set to review its work plan and receive an update on the Corporate Parenting Strategy for 2026-2030.

Speakerbox Verbal Update and Report on Actions

The committee was scheduled to receive a verbal update from Speakerbox, Southwark's Children in Care Council. This update was expected to cover career and education mentoring, the young people's vision for their futures, and the standards of care within the fostering service. Speakerbox plays a crucial role in ensuring the voices of children and young people in care are heard and influence decision-making.

Corporate Parenting Substance Misuse Report

A report on substance misuse among looked-after children was scheduled for discussion. This report was expected to highlight trends in substance misuse, the interventions offered, and data quality issues. It was noted that Southwark's percentage of children in care misusing substances had increased significantly compared to national averages. The report was expected to recommend reviewing the parity of offer for children placed outside the borough, monitoring emerging substance trends, and improving data quality.

Corporate Parenting Annual Report

The committee was scheduled to review the Corporate Parenting Annual Report for 2025. This report provides an overview of the council's delivery of its corporate parenting duties, outlining achievements in delivering the Corporate Parenting Strategy and areas for future focus. The report highlights the council's commitment to acting in the best interests of children in care and care leavers, encouraging their views, ensuring access to services, promoting aspirations, and preparing them for adulthood. It also details the demographics of children in care and care leavers, including ethnicity, age, and gender.

Southwark Homes for Southwark Children Update / Foster Care Report - Recruitment and Retirement

An update on Southwark Homes for Southwark Children was scheduled, focusing on the foster care service, including recruitment and retirement figures. This report was expected to detail efforts and initiatives to promote foster carer recruitment, discuss the challenges of social media conversion to numbers of carers, and highlight the importance of respite foster carers. Foster carers themselves were expected to share their experiences of support and training. Concerns were anticipated regarding recruitment levels against the likely retirement figures of current foster parents.

Adoption Annual Report

The committee was scheduled to review the Adoption Annual Report for 2024-2025. This report outlines the progress made by Southwark children in care with a permanence plan for adoption. It provides an overview of key performance measures, including the number of children with a decision that adoption is in their best interests, those with a Placement Order, those matched with adopters, and those who have received an Adoption Order. The report was expected to note a decline in the number of children matched with adoptive carers, partly attributed to foster carers expressing interest in adopting children they already care for.

Independent Reviewing Officers (IRO) and Children's Rights and Participation Annual Report 2024-25

An annual report on the work of Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs) and the Children's Rights and Participation team was scheduled for discussion. This report details the work of the IRO service in fulfilling its statutory remit, including ensuring care plans meet children's needs, advocating for children's voices, challenging delays, and monitoring services. The report was expected to highlight areas for development and provide an overview of children in care, their outcomes, and the services provided. The report also covers the work of Speakerbox, the Children in Care Council, and the advocacy services provided.

Corporate Parenting Committee Workplan 2025-26

The committee was scheduled to review and agree its work plan for the upcoming municipal year 2025-26. This plan outlines the committee's role and functions, including developing and monitoring the corporate parenting strategy, ensuring the maximisation of life chances for looked-after children, and recommending integrated services. The work plan details proposed agenda items for future meetings, including updates from Speakerbox, Southwark Homes for Southwark Children, the Virtual Headteacher's report, and an update on the local offer for kinship care.

Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026-2030 - Update

An update on the development of the new Corporate Parenting Strategy for 2026-2030 was scheduled. This strategy is being developed in collaboration with care-experienced children and young people, ensuring their voices and experiences are central. Progress includes the initiation of the Bright Spots Survey, which measures well-being and the quality of care experience, and the development of eight priority pillars by Speakerbox. The timeline for consultation, engagement, and the completion of the draft strategy was to be presented.

The meeting was scheduled to begin with apologies, confirmation of voting members, and declarations of interest, followed by the approval of minutes from the previous meeting. The committee would then proceed to discuss the open agenda items.