Children in Our Care Committee CIOC Context and Background 18 th September 2008

Key Facts /Statistics There are 320 children in our care (CIOC) in BwD at the moment of which 247 children have been in our care for at least 12 months Blackburn with Darwen Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee undertook an in-depth year long review of services for CIOC to: - enable elected members to listen and understand the views of CIOC in relation to services they receive/access. - provide elected members with feedback from young people and inspections to inform and shape services used by CIOC The review produced thirty outcome-focused recommendations to improve services CIOC receive.

Key Facts /Statistics We recognize that the numbers of CIOC are relatively high within the authority – higher than national average levels, or amongst statistical neighbours (SN) authorities. We believe that there is a correlation between levels of deprivation and numbers of children looked after and since Blackburn with Darwen is the second most deprived amongst its 11 strong SN grouping it is likely to be higher than the average for the group.

Achievements and Impact to Date Be Healthy A Health Care Strategic Group for CIOC has been established. 90% of those in our care are receiving annual health assessments and annual dental checks A designated nurse successfully works jointly across social care and health. There is a targeted service for supporting the emotional health and well being of CIOC including support for carers. A new short terms breaks facility (Appletrees) for children with disabilities has been opened.

Achievements and Impact to Date Stay Safe Corporate Parent Standing Committee established consisting of Elected Members and Service Officers. The role of CIOC Member champion has been established and is Cllr John Williams. The role of CIOC champion within children's services is Harry Devonport, Deputy Director (School & Learning Development). The local issue of large numbers of children being in care placed with their parents is being addressed and the figure continues to fall – down to 22%. We have been successful in placing children within Blackburn with Darwen: - Our placements are more stable only 13% of CIOC have 3 or more placements in a year The vast majority of BwD children’s homes have recently been inspected by OFSTED and have been rated ‘good’ with some outstanding features. Inspections of the fostering and adoption services have been strong and positive.

Achievements and Impact to Date Enjoy and Achieve CIOC have many opportunities available to them for leisure and enjoyment. All CIOC have leisure plans and receive a free leisure pass/Beez Card. Other examples include a CIOC Drama Club which meets weekly and skiing and other residential trips. There has been a considerable improvement in terms of developing consistency around Personal Education Plans (PEP) through training sessions for Teachers, Social Workers and Foster Carers. A named education support worker is allocated to each KS2 child. All schools have a trained designated teacher with responsibility for CIOC. A mentoring and befriending service to support CIOC has been established using accredited trained volunteers. There has been a 60% increase in attendance at school by mentees. 90% of CIOC take part in their own reviews. No CIOC were permanently excluded from school. Comparison of the performance of CIOC in BwD with their peers nationally shows that they perform at or above the national average at all Key Stages. 21% of CIOC achieved 5A*-C GCSEs in September % of CIOC achieved 5A*-G GCSEs un September 2007

Achievements and Impact to Date Positive Contribution We have established a CIOC Council which is made up of children in our care from residential, foster care and other placements and who represent the views of all CIOC and as it develops will influence service provision, service quality and decision making. The CIOC Drama Club acts as a conduit for CIOC voice. One outcome from this positive engagement was a drama around the CIOC review process that explored a good review and a bad review experience. CIOC were involved in the review and reshaping of the leaving care service.

Achievements and Impact to Date Achieve Economic Well Being A review of leaving care services implemented in 07/08 has led to improved transition arrangements. We work closely with CXL (local Connexions service provider) and have a joint funded post on the team to look at the specific needs of care leavers around Employment, Education and Training (EET). We have protocols agreed with Blackburn College for young people leaving care. 73% of all care leavers are in education, employment or training. All care leavers remain in–touch with the service; 94% are in suitable accommodation and 65% are still in education, employment or training A Young People’s Housing Strategy Group has been established. The group have established a set of standards that will ensure the quality of housing and support for care leavers.

Proposed Developments & Intended Impact That Healthy Care Partnership will be further developed: - CIOC will make healthier lifestyle choices - All CIOC will easily access the full range of services which support their health and emotional health and well being Develop the partnership with YMCA and Twin Valley Homes: - Trainee tenancies will be offered to support young people into independent living. Further develop the multi-agency approach to ensure that the specific needs of care leavers around education, employment and training (EET) are met: - Increase the take-up of modern apprenticeships (MA) by care leavers and through the public service board (PSB) increase the take up of MAs with the Council - Extend the protocols agreed with Blackburn College for young people leaving care to cover the two other main post 16 providers - St Mary’s College and Accrington College

Proposed Developments & Intended Impact We will further develop the recruitment, training and support for local foster carers: - More CIOC will be placed locally. - Stability of placements will be improved. - Increased use of Lytham Road Adolescent Support Unit to support placements. We will refresh and our permanency strategy: - More children will be placed for adoption. - The skills of Social Workers in relation to assessing needs will be enhanced. Children’s residential support will be improved: - Whalley New Road Children’s Home will move to new more ‘fit for purpose’ premises. A Care Matters Implementation Plan will be developed. A Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care- Children (MTFC-C) programme will be developed to ensure: - The needs of children will be holistically met. - Placement stability will increase. - The emotional health and well being of young people will improve.