Agenda item

The Committee gave consideration to the report by addressing the following issues:

Increase in number of referrals – It was asked whether officers saw this trend continuing as it moves from Quarter 4 and beyond and how will it be managed as schools are set to re-open and restrictions lifted. In response, it was reported that the service like others find themselves in unchartered territory due to the pandemic. However, officers stated that schools had remained open throughout for vulnerable children. It was advised that demand was tracked on a daily basis. It was envisaged by the Trust that there would not be another upturn albeit there may be a spike of referrals in March but these would be felt throughout the year and into the next and officers did not foresee this being a challenge.

Out of authority placements – In terms of progress made in reducing costs associated with out of area placements, there was a number of strands to this:-

(1)       Increase capacity of Residential offer – It was reported that despite Covid, it had stabilised. However, officers suggested that things will remain volatile for some time and the Trust will respond to the best interests for the children.

(2)       Increased Number of Doncaster Foster Carers – Members were advised that reliance on Independent Foster Carers had reduced and the Trust were utilising more of the in house providers and as lockdown eases this will allow the Trust to carry out a more outreach approach. It was noted that on 19 March, the 5th Mockingbird programme was installed which provides support for more complex needs. Officers advised that there had been an issue with identifying appropriate properties. However due diligence had been followed to ensure properties were in the right location and a number of additional checks were made. It was highlighted that the property market was buoyant and the stamp duty exemption has been welcomed. The Trust work closely with Planning, who have been very responsive so efforts to seek properties will continue.

(3)       St Leger – Pathway for Care Leavers – It was reported that the Trust are working with St Leger Homes on a pathway to help care leavers secure their own property when transitioning to adulthood.

Discussion took place on the Future Placement Strategy and when the Trust would be back on track in terms of securing properties. It was reported that as soon as properties become available, continued efforts will be made to access these. It was noted that revised dates were contained within the MTFS statement. However, the largest influence is the current market condition and over the next 3 years the MTFS has reasonable targets set to recognise this.t.

With regard to workforce, Members sought information on how staff have been supported to manage the increased work load and how this will be managed moving forward. Officers advised members that a staff survey conducted, that staff felt supported in their roles and as well as providing the support in relation to distribution of PPE for those staff that required it, it was important that emotional support was also given through the introduction of mindful sessions. It was important to emphasise that there had been workload distribution challenges. However, greater capacity has been given to support staff to ensure they do not feel overwhelmed. It was pleasing to note that cases had decreased and in conjunction with the Council a pay/reward offer has been introduced which is reflective of the hard work.

A question was raised in relation to changes in living circumstances due to the pandemic, lots of children remained  at home because schools were closed and , this had lead to an increase in referrals.. It was, asked how the Trust had overcome those barriers and what lessons had been learnt, in terms of reaching out to children in an environment where they cannot be so easily seen.

In response, it was acknowledged that the Trust was part of a much larger safeguarding system and the lessons and learning can be split into 2 phases.

Firstly, it was reported that getting the business right, making staff feel safe and protected and it is suspected that all partners have had to reflect on their core business in the first stance. In terms of learning, it was noted that there are more partners including the Trust staff engaging in communities and families in a way that was not possible at the start of the pandemic. This is in addition to those health professionals and the Police, so there are more eyes on the ground and therefore more opportunities for children and families to present themselves. It was also reported that the Trust have used various social media platforms to make sure that families and partners have new routes in to raise any concerns they may have. Furthermore, it was about how community based services continue to practice and more importantly how intelligence is shared, to ensure that if there is a particular concern raised, all partners are able to liaise. It was advised that the Partnership Oversight Board meets regularly and is currently looking at emerging trends so targeted work can be arranged.

Discussion took place in regard to Children’s Mental Health. It was reported that partners were having to respond to an incredibly fluid situation and set of circumstances at present. It was advised that all services have had to reconfigure and adapt to  respond really quickly to changing circumstances. In terms of Children’s Mental Health, it was considered that the best investment made is with preventative services in schools and in the community, which can identify children’s mental health needs earlier and work with them before it escalates to acute services. It was also advised that the Trust have seen an increase presentation of acute services being used. Additional investment and repointing of services to meet the need have been undertaken. However, it was important to note that this would be a long term impact on children’s mental health and it is considered that this will remain a challenge. However, officers commented that the Partnership working is responding to that in terms of putting greater mental health experience and expertise into schools and communities to support children at the earliest possible stage.

RESOLVED that the progress of DCST performance outcomes and the contribution that the Trust makes to support the Council’s strategic priorities, be noted.