The Durham Family Panel meeting scheduled for 8 May 2026 was set to cover a range of topics focused on the well-being and development of children in care and care leavers within County Durham. Key discussions were expected to include updates on the Durham Family Strategy, performance against this strategy, and the progress of initiatives aimed at supporting young people.

Durham Family Strategy and Care Experience as a Protected Characteristic

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to be dedicated to the Durham Family Strategy and the adoption of 'care experience' as a local protected characteristic. The report on this topic, presented by Jac Tyler, Interim Head of Children's Social Care, aimed to provide an update on progress. The strategy, launched in 2025, redefines the council's role as a 'Durham Family' rather than a 'corporate parent', reflecting feedback from children and young people. The report outlined the strategy's commitment to equity for care-experienced individuals and detailed six key priorities identified through data and the voices of young people. These priorities include emotional and physical wellbeing, feeling safe, positive relationships, being listened to, understanding things better, and achieving one's best. The report also highlighted the progress made in embedding 'care experience' as a protected characteristic across council directorates, aiming to increase tailored support and opportunities for care-experienced individuals. The Panel was asked to consider and note the report's contents and agree to receive six-monthly performance measures and updates.

Durham Family Strategy Performance Update

A presentation by Stephen Tracey, Corporate Performance Manager, was scheduled to provide an overview of performance against the measures outlined in the Durham Family Strategy. The strategy, approved in September 2025, has seen the Panel renamed to align with its principles. The performance update was expected to detail progress across various priorities, including supporting children to stay with their families, ensuring children in care feel listened to, promoting a sense of belonging, ensuring children are happy, healthy, and safe, providing secure and valued homes, and supporting children to achieve their aspirations. The update was also to cover the preparedness and support for care leavers transitioning into adulthood.

Update from the Children in Care Council

The meeting was scheduled to include a presentation from the Young People of the Children in Care Council. This update was expected to cover their activities and perspectives. Previous updates from the Children in Care Council have highlighted their involvement in events like Care Day, where they shared their experiences and the importance of being heard. They have also been instrumental in shaping initiatives and providing feedback on services.

Voices Update from the Care Leavers Network

A presentation by the Voice and Participation Practitioner was planned to provide an update from the Care Leavers Network, known as 'Voices'. This network focuses on ensuring the voices of care leavers are heard and acted upon. Previous updates from 'Voices' have highlighted their work on key issues such as housing, aiming to improve the quality of accommodation and preparation for independence. They have been actively involved in co-designing resources and connecting with housing teams and providers.

Next Venture Fund 2025-26

Young people were scheduled to present on the Next Venture Fund for 2025-26. This fund supports projects that have a significant impact on young people, with key themes including strengthening relationships, promoting mental well-being, reducing loneliness, building connections, creating new opportunities, and being inclusive. The fund has supported a variety of projects, from cinema tickets and Eid celebrations to musical instruments and university packs, aiming to benefit a wide range of young people.

Ofsted Updates

A verbal update from the Interim Head of Children's Social Care and the Head of Strategy, Assurance and Specialist Services was scheduled regarding Ofsted. Previous updates have noted positive progress at facilities like Aycliffe Secure Centre, with young people reporting feeling happier and safer, and improvements in staff responses to inappropriate behaviour and the use of restraint. A full reinspection of Aycliffe Secure Centre was noted to have taken place in March, with an update expected once the report is publicly released.

Proud Moments

Strategic Managers were expected to provide a verbal update on 'Proud Moments'. These updates typically highlight successes and positive achievements within children's social care. Previous instances have included young people's involvement in national discussions with the Children's Commissioner for England and the Ministry of Justice, their participation in care assessments for prospective foster carers, and performances at events like the Care to Dance show.

Durham Children and Young People's Pledge

Young people were also scheduled to present on the Durham Children and Young People's Pledge. This initiative, co-created with children and young people, aims to ensure their voices are heard and responded to. The pledge is designed to be visually appealing and easily accessible, allowing young people to hold services accountable. The proposed title, Durham Family, reflects a term preferred by young people. The pledge focuses on six key priorities: emotional and physical wellbeing, feeling safe, positive people in their lives, being listened to, understanding things better, and being the best they can be.

Corporate Parenting Refresher Training and Regulation 44 Visits

Part B of the meeting was scheduled to include discussions on exempt or confidential information. This included a presentation by Service Leads on Corporate Parenting Refresher Training and a report and presentation by the Senior Commissioning Officer on Regulation 44 Visits to Durham County Council Children's Homes. Regulation 44 visits are conducted by independent visitors to ensure the welfare of children in children's homes.