The Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee of Haringey Council was scheduled to discuss reports on children in care within the youth justice system, the annual report from the Independent Reviewing Officer service, and a performance update for children looked after services. The meeting also included a verbal update on care leavers' employment.

Children in Care within the Youth Justice Impact Report (CIC Action Plan)

The committee was scheduled to receive an update from the Youth Justice Service (YJS) regarding the outcomes for children in care (CIC) who are supported by the YJS. The report covered the period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. It was noted that 45 children (18%) out of a total of 251 children with a disposal outcome through the YJS were CIC during this period. Of these, 23 were looked after by Haringey, and 11 were remanded to Youth Detention Accommodation. The report highlighted that CIC are more likely to be sentenced for most offences, with a particular disproportionate representation in violent, robbery, and drugs-related offences. Furthermore, Black children were disproportionately represented within the CIC cohort, making up 53% of the CIC population, compared to 22% of the overall population. Male children were also disproportionately represented, with 38% of males being CIC compared to 3% of females. The report also detailed key challenges for the YJS and its partners, including the fluctuating legal status of children, reliance on host boroughs for assessments when children are placed out of borough, and the impact of frequent placement changes. Barriers to Education, Employment, and Training (ETE) for young people were also outlined, including a lack of in-year post-16 provision and qualifications. A survey of NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) children aged 16+ indicated that 50% desired employment, with the main barrier being a lack of support rather than motivation, and a need for practical employability help. The report also introduced The Skills Network, an online platform offering joint provision between the YJS and the Virtual School.

IRO Annual Report 2025-2026

The committee was scheduled to review the annual report from Haringey's Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) Service for the period April 2025 to March 2026. The report indicated that at 31 March 2026, Haringey was caring for 296 children and young people, a decrease from 320 in April 2025. This reduction was attributed to fewer children entering care, young people reaching adulthood, and efforts to support children safely within family networks. The IRO Service maintained strong statutory performance, with 96% of children having an up-to-date review and 88% of children over four participating in their reviews. Ofsted had recognised the reviews as timely and purposeful, highlighting the value IROs add through children's participation and child-centred planning. Areas identified for further development included participation, permanence, matching, cultural competence, adolescent safeguarding, and demonstrating service impact. The report noted that service stability remained a key strength, with consistent IRO relationships providing continuity for children and enabling effective oversight. The IRO Service comprises five experienced IROs, with average caseloads below the recommended range. The team reflects Haringey's diversity and collectively speaks eight languages. Key areas of focus for 2025-26 included ensuring children's voices were central to planning and review processes, identifying risks of child sexual exploitation, considering children's digital lives, reflecting cultural and identity needs in care plans, and addressing wider family vulnerability. Ofsted's January 2026 inspection judged Haringey Children's Services as Outstanding overall, with services for children looked after rated as Good. The report detailed that 96% of children had an up-to-date review, and 88% of children aged over four participated in their reviews. Permanence was secured for 11 children through adoption and 6 through Special Guardianship Orders. The Dispute Resolution Process (DRP) saw a 32% reduction in activity compared to the previous year, suggesting more concerns were resolved through earlier professional dialogue.

Performance Update: Children Looked After (CLA) Services

This report was scheduled to provide an analysis of performance data and trends for Children Looked After (CLA) services, care leavers, and those who have ceased to be looked after for the period of quarters 1 and 2 of 2026/27. It aimed to highlight progress and consistent performance in safeguarding children and young people. The report noted that Haringey's children in care have above-average educational outcomes, with a KS4 Average Attainment 8 Score of 24.2 for 2025, significantly higher than the England average of 17.3. Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) also demonstrated higher educational outcomes. Haringey had fewer secondary pupils permanently excluded and a reduced percentage of children Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). For Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), 89.6% of EHCP plans were issued within 20 weeks, a rate significantly higher than the England average. Regarding Children Looked After, the number of children in care at the end of August 2026 was 299, a decrease from 325 at the end of March 2025, representing one of the lowest rates in Haringey. Foster placements remained the most used placement type, with 73% of CLA in foster placements. 40% of children in foster placements were long-term matched, which was reported to be well above the national average. 75% of CLA were placed outside of the borough, with 15% living more than 20 miles away from home. Placement stability was measured, with 10% of children having three or more placements in the past 12 months, and long-term placement stability sustained at 74%. The report also indicated that 14% of CLA were reported missing over the past 12 months, a rate below the statistical neighbour rate. For Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC), the number in care was 17. Health assessments were up-to-date for 96% of CLA in care for over 12 months, and 83% had up-to-date dental checks. There were 11 adoptions during 2025/26, an increase from the previous year. For care leavers, 623 young adults were qualified for care leaver services by the end of August 2026. Both care leavers in suitable accommodation and those in employment, education, or training showed higher percentages than statistical neighbours and the England rate.

Care Leavers Employment - Verbal Update

A verbal update was scheduled to be provided on the employment of care leavers. This item was mentioned in the context of positive work and the desire for continuity in future years, with skills becoming embedded in the team. Officers were planning launch and celebratory events in the new year, with Baroness Lola Young expected to attend.