The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel of Doncaster Council met to discuss various issues affecting children and young people in the area. Key topics included the management of children's social care demand and neglect, support for children experiencing homelessness, and the care of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. The panel also reviewed the council's work plan and forward plan of key decisions.

Children's Social Care Demand Management and Neglect

The Assistant Director for Children's Social Care presented a report on the increasing demand and impact of child neglect both nationally and locally. The report highlighted that the cost of living crisis, unemployment, and the Covid-19 pandemic have exacerbated the difficulties faced by some families, contributing to child neglect. The Assistant Director stressed the importance of strategic partnerships to support growing demand and awareness of neglect issues in Doncaster.

The panel discussed the locality of family hubs, which were chosen based on a mapping, need, and resource exercise to best support community needs. The Assistant Director explained that Doncaster ranks 41st in deprivation among local authorities, based on data from 2019. The panel also addressed the issue of children experiencing homelessness, noting that the local authority has a robust homeless protocol with St Leger Homes of Doncaster.

Support for Children Experiencing Homelessness

The panel discussed the support provided to children in care who are at risk of homelessness. The local authority works with partner organisations to ensure housing is available for young people, with 7 young people seeking housing provision support in the last 12 months. Quality assurance and safety visits are conducted for properties used for young people, and local area risk assessments are required for Ofsted-registered accommodations.

Care for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children

The panel addressed the care of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, noting that Doncaster currently has 55 such children in its care. The cost of semi-dependent accommodation has risen significantly, creating a funding gap. The Executive Director for Children, Young People, and Families chairs a regional strategic partnership to address reasonable costs and good care alongside the Department for Education.

Workforce and Staff Retention

The panel discussed workforce and staff retention, noting that social worker vacancies have reduced significantly, with many agency staff wishing to convert to full-time employees. The local authority has invested in recruitment to provide a stable service.

Care Leavers

The panel addressed the support provided to care leavers, including the provision of telephone sim cards and leisure passes. The local authority works with partners to provide additional support, such as drop-in sessions with the Department of Work and Pensions. The panel also discussed the importance of ensuring care leavers are informed of the support available to them.

Investment in Doncaster Residential Placements

The panel noted the positive progress in reducing high-cost external residential placements. The local authority engages with councillors and communities to promote community support and create a pleasant setting for children and young adults to live.

Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan and Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions

The Senior Governance Officer presented the Scrutiny Work Plan and Council’s Forward Plan of Key Decisions to the panel for consideration. Members were invited to suggest areas for consideration in the new Civic Year.

For more details, you can refer to the minutes of the meeting.