The Children and Young People's Overview and Scrutiny Committee of County Durham Council was scheduled to discuss the increasing demand on children's social care services, the sufficiency of accommodation for children in care and care leavers, and the ongoing reforms to children's social care. These discussions were based on reports and presentations provided to the committee members.

Demand on Children's Social Care

The committee was scheduled to receive information on the demand for children's social care services in Durham as of February 2026. A report indicated that overall demand remains high and persistent across various services, including the front door ¹ for initial contact, statutory interventions, and care placements. Safeguarding contacts were noted as being above pre-2024 levels, while Early Help contacts continued to rise. Referral rates into statutory services were higher than national, regional, and statistical neighbour benchmarks. The report highlighted that police remained the largest source of referrals, though their proportion had reduced. Assessment timeliness was reported as strong, with approximately 90% of assessments completed within statutory timescales. However, Children in Need (CiN) numbers remained high, and Child Protection Plan (CPP) volumes continued to increase. Children in Care (CiC) numbers were also rising, with more children entering care and fewer exiting, leading to a growing open CiC population. Placement sufficiency and stability pressures were increasing, with more children experiencing multiple placements. The majority of children supported by these services were aged 10–15. The report recommended that the committee note the local authority's context and demands on Children's Social Care.

Sufficiency Statement for Children in Care and Care Leavers 2025-2029 and Transformation of Children's Homes Update

A report was scheduled to provide an update on the new Sufficiency Statement for Children in Care and Care Leavers 2025-2029 and progress on the transformation of children's homes. The Sufficiency Statement, approved by cabinet in October 2025, outlines Durham's strategic approach to ensuring sufficient accommodation for children in care and care leavers. It addresses the policy context, a summary of needs, increasing budget pressures, and work programmes aligned with the Durham Cares Board. The report noted that the increasing demand and pressure to meet sufficiency duties are replicated across the UK, impacting council budgets. National reviews, including those by Josh MacAlister and the Competitions and Markets Authority, have highlighted the changing landscape of children's social care and the expansion of the for-profit sector. The Department of Education's policy paper, 'Keeping children safe, helping families thrive,' published in November 2024, sets out four key principles for reform, which have informed the new Children's Wellbeing Bill.

The report detailed significant challenges, including a 33% rise in the children in care rate over five years, a higher rate of children entering care compared to benchmarks, and a growing number of children in care with special educational needs or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The use of independent children's homes had increased by 258% between 2019 and 2025, with 60% of young people in these homes living outside County Durham. The report outlined four key work programme areas for change: supporting children and young people to live outside of care, focusing on family-based homes, ensuring sufficiency for children's homes, and market management opportunities. Significant financial pressures were also highlighted, with projected increases in expenditure for children in care.

Children's Social Care Reforms

The committee was also scheduled to receive an overview of the national Children's Social Care Reform programme and the local authority's response through the Families First Partnership (FFP) Programme. National guidance for the FFP Programme was released on 20 March 2025, marking the formal start of government reforms aimed at delivering earlier, more effective support, stronger safeguarding arrangements, and improved outcomes for children and families. The FFP Programme requires local authorities and partners to deliver a more integrated, family-focused system that prioritises early help, strengthens family networks, and improves outcomes. Key reform areas include a reformed front door ², the development of a single integrated Family Help offer, improved multi-agency child protection arrangements, and a stronger focus on family networks and decision-making. The programme also introduces new roles and ways of working. Robust governance arrangements are in place through the FFP Board and associated workstreams. The report recommended that the committee note the national context and requirements for Children Social Care Reform, and the local authority's approach through the Families First Partnership Programme.