The Durham Family Panel met on Friday 19 June 2026 to discuss updates on services for children and young people in the county. Key topics included the annual report, the Youth Justice Service, and services for pre-birth interventions and future hope for mothers.

Ofsted Updates

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update from the Interim Head of Children's Social Care and the Interim Head of Strategy, Assurance and Specialist Services regarding Ofsted's findings.

Proud Moments

An update from Strategic Managers was scheduled to highlight Proud Moments, which are intended to showcase the achievements and successes of young people.

Update from the Children in Care Council (CICC)

Young people from the Children in Care Council were scheduled to present an update on their activities. This included details of their priorities, such as feeling safe, emotional and physical wellbeing, positive people in their lives, being listened to, understanding things better, and striving to be their best.

Durham Family Panel Annual Report 2025-26

The Interim Head of Children's Social Care was due to present the Durham Family Panel Annual Report for 2025-26. This report covers the period from April 2025 to March 2026 and outlines the work undertaken to improve outcomes for children in care. The report details what a corporate parent is, the role of the Durham Family Panel, its terms of reference, key performance data, and achievements from the year. The report was developed with input from young people from the Children in Care Council to ensure their voices were reflected.

Youth Justice Service Biennial Update

The Interim Head of Strategy, Assurance and Specialist Services was scheduled to present a biennial update on the Youth Justice Service. This report focuses on children in care within the youth justice system, first-time entrants to the system, and the transfer of children from police custody under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE). The report highlights a significant reduction in first-time entrants to the youth justice system and discusses the service's work with children in care and those transferred from police custody.

Pre-birth Intervention Service Update

The Interim Head of Children's Social Care was scheduled to provide an annual update on the Pre-birth Intervention Service (PBIS). This service, re-established in May 2018, aims to enable babies to remain with their parents or within the birth family where safe to do so, by providing intensive support before birth. The report details the service's eligibility criteria, assessment pathways, and outcomes for children and families. It notes that a higher proportion of children who become children in care in Durham are under one year old compared to comparator local authorities.

Future Hope Report

The Interim Head of Children's Social Care was also scheduled to present an annual update on Future Hope, formerly known as Pause Durham. This service works with women who have had children permanently separated from their care, aiming to reduce the number of children entering care and improve the lives of these women through intensive support. The report covers the cohort of women engaged with the service, their needs, and progress, including the potential expansion of the service to pilot a new initiative called 'Reach' for care leavers. The report also suggests Future Hope could become a co-opted member of the Durham Family Panel.

Corporate Parenting Reflective Discussion

This item was scheduled for discussion during the part of the meeting not open to the public, involving a reflective discussion from the May 2026 meeting, led by Service Leads.

Aycliffe Secure Centre Regulation 44 Visits

This item, also part of the closed session, was to provide an update on Regulation 44 visits to Independent Children's Residential Homes, presented by the Interim Head of Strategy, Assurance and Specialist Services.