The committee discussed the Social Work Service's revenue budget, noting a projected overspend of £958k by the end of the financial year. It was agreed that Councillor Drysdale would lobby the Scottish Government Housing Minister to highlight the severity of the homelessness issue in the region and request additional resources to address the provision of aids and adaptions for vulnerable residents. The committee also approved a new outcome-based Children and Families Commissioning Strategy for 2024-2028.

Social Work Service Revenue Budget

The committee noted the projected £958k overspend, primarily attributed to an increase in the number of children requiring residential placements. While the 2024/25 budget included a £3.135 million investment to address these challenges, the implementation of planned mitigation measures has faced delays.

The committee agreed to lobby the Scottish Government for additional resources to address homelessness pressures, specifically those related to providing aids and adaptations for vulnerable individuals.

The projected overspend is partially offset by anticipated underspends in other areas, including staff costs due to recruitment challenges for qualified Social Workers.

Social Work Service Data Report

The Social Work Service Data Report, presented for the second time, provided a comprehensive overview of the service's activity for the first two quarters of 2024-2025. Notable findings include:

• An increasing demand for mental health services, particularly guardianship requests and Short-Term Detention Certificate assessments.
• A rise in Child Protection registrations, with emotional abuse and neglect being the most common concerns.
• A steady increase in Justice Social Work activities, notably Bail Supervision Assessments and Management.

The report also marked the first inclusion of data for Resettlement and Housing Options and the Homelessness Service, reflecting their transfer to Social Work Services in April 2024.

Adult Services, Housing Options and Homelessness Service Plan 2024-2025

The committee reviewed the 6-month assessment of the Adult Services, Housing Options and Homelessness Service Plan, noting various achievements and areas requiring improvement.

Significant progress was highlighted in areas such as:

• Workforce development initiatives, with eight newly qualified Social Workers joining the service and the successful implementation of a support model for newly qualified staff.
• The implementation of the Housing Options and Homelessness Strategy 2023-28, including the review of the Prison Discharge Protocol.
• The delivery of localized self-directed support, with the updated policy reflecting the Scottish Government's SDS Improvement Plan 2023-27.

However, the report also acknowledged areas where targets were not met, including:

• The number of homeless families in temporary accommodation.
• The percentage of homeless cases reassessed within 12 months of completing duty.
• The number of homeless applications received from individuals who had been looked after by the local authority.

Children & Families, Justice Services Plan 2024-2025

The committee reviewed the 6-month assessment of the Children & Families, Justice Services Plan, acknowledging the significant progress made, as well as highlighting the challenges that persist.

Notable achievements include:

• The successful recruitment and training of staff for the newly established kinship care team.
• The ongoing recruitment campaign for Intensive Support Foster Carers, aiming to provide a family alternative to residential care for children with complex needs.
• The development of a D&G Children and Families Commissioning Better Outcomes Strategy.
• The ongoing implementation of the Bairns Hoose Standards.
• Progress in delivering the Justice Services Strategic Plan 24/28.

However, the report also acknowledged areas where targets were not met, including:

• High staff absence rates due to work-related and non-work-related stress.
• The percentage of staff in both Adult and Children and Families Services who have completed an appraisal in the last 12 months.
• Timeliness in responding to Stage 1 and Stage 2 complaints.

Social Work Scotland: Setting the Bar Reports

The committee considered the findings of the 'Setting the Bar' and 'Taking the Wheel' reports published by Social Work Scotland. These reports highlight challenges faced by Social Workers across Scotland, including excessive workloads and the need for increased resources to provide adequate support to vulnerable individuals and families.

The committee agreed to request a formal response from the Scottish Government to these reports, recognising the need for national action to address these challenges.

The committee also acknowledged the proactive steps taken by Dumfries and Galloway Council to mitigate these challenges, including:

• A time and motion study to analyze Social Workers' workload and identify areas for improvement.
• Providing clear career pathways and growth opportunities to support staff retention.
• The development of the Grow Your Own Social Worker Scheme to address the shortage of qualified Social Workers.
• Implementing a comprehensive support model for Newly Qualified Social Workers, ensuring they receive adequate guidance and support during their first year of practice.
• The piloting of innovative digital tools, such as Magic Notes, to streamline administrative tasks and free up Social Workers' time.

A Commissioning Strategy for Children and Families Social Work Services

The committee approved the proposed outcome-based Children and Families Commissioning Strategy for 2024-2028. The strategy aims to improve outcomes for children and families by ensuring that services are designed and delivered in a way that aligns with their needs and aspirations.

Fostering and Adoption Inspection August 2024

The committee noted the Care Inspectorate's reports following the inspection of the Fostering and Adoption services in August 2024. While the reports acknowledged progress since the previous inspection in November 2023, they also highlighted areas requiring further improvement.

The service faces various challenges, including a shortage of foster carers and difficulties in matching children with adoptive families. Staffing challenges, including long-term absences and difficulties in filling vacant positions, have also hindered the service's ability to fully address the previously identified areas for improvement.

However, the reports highlighted areas of strength, including positive relationships between carers and staff, the provision of meaningful support to families, and the implementation of appropriate safeguarding practices.

Children's House Inspection September 2024

The committee noted the Care Inspectorate's evaluations following the inspection of 38 Hardthorn Road, the Children's House. The service received a Good evaluation for the quality of care and support provided to young people, recognizing that:

• Young people feel safe and valued within the service.
• They experience nurturing relationships with staff and are actively involved in decisions that affect them.
• The service effectively collaborates with partner agencies to ensure risks are minimized.

However, the service was evaluated as Adequate in terms of leadership and management, highlighting areas for improvement such as the consistency and timeliness of supervision for staff, the need for a clearer vision and updated aims and objectives for the service, and the consistent application of quality assurance processes.

The committee acknowledged the challenges faced by the Children's House in recent years, including staffing shortages and a high number of unplanned admissions. The report highlighted the positive impact of the interim manager's efforts to stabilize the service and create a more positive and supportive environment for young people and staff.

Dumfries and Galloway Public Protection Committee – Independent Chair Biennial Reports – 2022-24

The committee noted the biennial reports for Adult Support and Protection, Child Protection, and Violence Against Women and Girls. The reports provide an overview of the Public Protection Committee's (PPC) work over the past two years and highlight both the achievements and the challenges in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and families in Dumfries and Galloway.

The reports acknowledge the commitment of the PPC and its partner agencies to providing a high standard of support despite facing significant resource challenges, including staffing shortages and increasing demand for services. The reports also detail the proactive approach taken by the PPC to continually improve its practices and processes through self-evaluation, robust data analysis, and the implementation of evidence-based strategies.