Decision details

To invest in children’s social work services in response to significant demand pressures, to ensure that children and young people’s needs continue to be met effectively so that they achieve positive outcomes. To support a continued safe and appropriate reduction in the need for children to become looked after.

The Director of Children and Families has :

a)  Noted the contents of the attached report and approved the approach to investment in children’s social work services set out.

b)  Approved the establishment of new posts as described in the report and appendices - namely:

·  Occupational Therapy

o  Occupational Therapist SO1 x 1

o  Community Occupational Therapist PO1 x 2

·  Kinship Services

o  Social Worker PO1/3 x 3

·  Placements Team

o  Placements Team Manager PO6 x 1

o  Placement Officer SO1 x 3

·  Leaving Care Service

o  Personal Advisor C3 x 4

·  Safe project

o  Family Support Workers C3 x 2

c)  Approved the development of ‘invest to save’ business cases in respect of:

·  The Kinship Care Service, to support the promotion of family group conferencing, to enhance placement stability and reduce statutory intervention; and 

the Leaving Care Service, to support the growth of the service to meet forecast increases in demand.

Discussion with Recovery Board, Member briefing and Consultation with Trade Unions and staff

Children and Families Recovery Board

Executive Member for Adults and Children’s Social Care and Health Partnerships

Trade Unions: Unison, GMB & Unite