The Durham Family Panel is scheduled to meet on Friday 19 June 2026, with a number of key reports due for discussion. These include an update on the Youth Justice Service, the Pre-birth Intervention Service, and the Future Hope programme, alongside the Durham Family Panel's annual report.

Youth Justice Service Biennial Update

The Durham Family Panel is scheduled to receive an update on the work of the County Durham Youth Justice Service (CDYJS). This report will cover the service's efforts concerning children in care who are involved in the youth justice system, initiatives aimed at preventing first-time entrants to the youth justice system, and the process for transferring children from police custody to local authority accommodation under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE). The report highlights a significant reduction in first-time entrants to the youth justice system, with a 58.6% decrease between 2014 and 2025. It also notes that 23% of the CDYJS cohort are currently children in care. The report will be presented by Clare Nicholls, Interim Head of Strategy, Assurance and Specialist Services.

Pre-birth Intervention Service Update

An annual update on the progress of the Pre-birth Intervention Service (PBIS) is scheduled for discussion. This service, re-established in May 2018, aims to enable babies to remain with their parents or within the birth family where it is safe to do so, by providing intensive support before birth. The report indicates that a higher proportion of children who become children in care in Durham are under one year old compared to comparator local authorities. The service has developed flexible assessment pathways tailored to specific needs, including those of parents with learning disabilities, which has been recognised in national good practice guidance. The report will be presented by Jac Tyler, Head of Service, Children and Young People's Services.

Future Hope Programme Update

The panel will receive an annual update on the Future Hope programme, formerly known as Pause Durham. This service provides intensive, ongoing practical and emotional support to women who have had one or more children permanently separated from their care, aiming to reduce the number of children entering the care system. The programme requires participants to agree to effective contraception to create a pause in pregnancy. The report indicates that Future Hope has reached out to 94 women in 2025, who collectively had 294 children removed from their care. The service has expanded its team and is exploring the extension of its criteria to pilot a new service called 'Reach', focusing on preventive work with care leavers. The report will be presented by Jac Tyler, Head of Service, Children and Young People's Services.

Durham Family Panel Annual Report 2025-26

The panel is scheduled to consider the Durham Family Panel Annual Report for 2025-26. This report provides an overview of the work undertaken during the year to ensure children and young people in care have the best possible opportunities. The report highlights the positive outcomes of Ofsted inspections, noting that care leavers are very much encouraged and supported to help shape and develop care leaver services. The report also details the involvement of young people from the Children in Care Council in developing the annual report, ensuring their voices are reflected in its design, content, and language. The report is by Jac Tyler, Interim Head of Children's Social Care.

Ofsted Updates

An update from Ofsted is scheduled, to be provided by the Interim Head of Children's Social Care and the Interim Head of Strategy, Assurance and Specialist Services.

Proud Moments

Strategic Managers will provide an update on Proud Moments, an initiative to highlight the achievements and successes of young people in care.

Update from the Children in Care Council (CICC)

Young People from the Children in Care Council will present an update on their activities.

Part B: Items for Private Discussion

In Part B of the meeting, the panel will move into private session to discuss exempt or confidential information. This will include a Corporate Parenting Reflective Discussion, recapping a previous meeting, and an update on Regulation 44 Visits to Aycliffe Secure Centre.