The Social Services Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss fostering and placement sufficiency, and the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in adult services. Members noted reports on both topics. The committee also approved recommendations regarding access to meetings and the handling of private items, including the Hillside Managers Report.

Overview of Fostering and Placement Sufficiency

The committee noted a report providing an overview of fostering and placement sufficiency within Neath Port Talbot (NPT). The report highlighted that while the overall number of children in care is declining, the complexity of their needs is increasing, leading to greater demand for specialist placements and higher costs.

Key points covered in the report:

• Foster Wales Neath Port Talbot: The fostering service operates as part of the national Foster Wales network, focusing on recruiting, training, and supporting foster carers locally.
• Recruitment and Retention: Efforts to recruit and retain mainstream foster carers have seen progress, with a 100% increase in enquiries during 2023-24. The service is working to address the ageing carer workforce and expand specialist placements.
• Reducing the Number of Children Looked After: The council has invested in early intervention and prevention to support families and prevent the escalation of risks.
• Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC): NPT is currently supporting 39 UASC, many of whom prefer placement in more urban areas with established support networks.
• Placement Trends: As of the report, NPT had 221 care experienced children and young people (excluding UASC), a 56% reduction since 2012.
• Eliminating Profit by 2030: In line with Welsh Government legislation, NPT is working to eliminate profit from children's care by 2030, strengthening in-house fostering capacity and reducing reliance on independent fostering agencies[^2]. [^2]: The Health and Social Care (Wales) Act 2025 makes Wales the first UK nation to legally end private profit from Childrens residential and foster care and mandates that such care be delivered only by public sector, charitable or not for profit providers. By April 2030 no new placements can be made with existing for profit providers.
• Transformation Projects: These include developing an internal residential home, participating in a regional residential home project, and reviewing short breaks services for children with disabilities.
• Support for 16+ Young People: Emphasis is placed on supporting care experienced young people as they transition into adulthood, with support extending up to age 25.

Update on Implementation of Magic Notes and Artificial Intelligence (A.I) across Adult Services

The committee noted a report on the implementation and impact of generative AI tools within Adult Services. Since the initial pilot in July 2024, tools like Magic Notes and Copilot have been rolled out, with over 278 staff actively using them.

Key impacts and feedback:

• Efficiency Gains: Practitioners reported saving between 7-12 hours per week, leading to faster response times and improved engagement with service users.
• Improved Documentation: The ability to generate and share documentation more efficiently has enhanced the quality and consistency of records.
• Staff Satisfaction: Staff have expressed high levels of satisfaction, noting that the tools make their work more manageable and reduce stress.
• Governance and Support: AI tools are used only with consent, and data is stored securely within the UK in compliance with GDPR. Oversight is provided by a governance group and AI Champions, with ongoing training and support for staff.
• APSE Service Awards: Adult Services has been shortlisted as a finalist in the APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) Service Awards 2025 under the category Best Innovation or Demand Management Initiative.

Scrutiny of Private Items from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme

The committee approved recommendations regarding private items from the Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme, including the Hillside Managers Report.