Agenda item

The Chair welcomed to the meeting Mrs Bobbie Jones, Strategy Inspector with the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW).

The Committee considered a report outlining the CSSIW’s findings and recommendations for Children’s Services in Carmarthenshire County Council, following its inspection of the services in July 2016.  Mrs Jones was the Lead Inspector with the team which undertook the inspection and provided the Committee with feedback on the team’s findings.

The inspection took place during a period of significant change as the Council was in the process of implementing the Social Services and Well-Being (Wales) Act 2014.  The Authority was also bringing in revised social work operating models across Children’s Services.  The inspection was piloting a revised approach to Local Authority inspection, with greater emphasis on understanding how the delivery of social services improves outcomes for children and families in need of care and support.

Mrs Jones emphasised that this was not a full inspection as it was a pilot using new tools and methodology.  Between 30 and 40 case files were reviewed, numerous social workers were interviewed and the findings were very positive.  The inspection focussed on the access arrangements for children and found that Carmarthenshire is committed to providing information on the services available, however, more work is needed to raise awareness in relation to early help provision.

With regard to the provision of information services, she pointed out that the Act only came into force in April and the inspection was undertaken in July, however, some good foundations were being laid. With regard to leadership, management and governance arrangements it was clear that children’s services are prioritised within the Council.  She felt that it would be useful for the Committee to have some more explicit feedback from families about what they think of the preventative services and receiving early help.  She felt that some more work was required with partners to make sure that they are aware of their responsibilities under the Social Services & Well-Being Act and she suggested that this could possibly be done via the Regional Partnership Board.  The team was very impressed by the fact that the workforce is experienced, stable and very committed to working in an open and transparent way. She concluded by saying that there is some excellent work being done in Carmarthenshire. 

The Chair thanked Mrs Jones for her presentation and felt that the report was very positive, however, there were areas to further develop. 

Officers welcomed the report which they considered to be balanced and fair and advised the Committee that they were already implementing the recommendations.  It was still early days in terms of change following the new legislation, however,     good progress was being made. 

The following issues were raised during consideration of the report:-

-           Concern was expressed that, as children are moulded as a person during their   early years, officers were asked whether they try to   influence parents as they are the role models.  The Head of Children’s             Services pointed out that if parents are not aware of what the issues are    then how are they expected to do anything and it was a matter of identifying and clarifying the issue and helping parents to work out what needs to change/be done. It was a shared objective/outcome and the      new Signs of Safety model which was currently being introduced would   help in this regard.  He added that progress was being made in this area;

-           Concern was expressed over the pressures already facing schools and     officers were asked whether it would be possible to employ a dedicated     individual to deal with these issues, perhaps working within a cluster of         schools.  The Head of Children’s Services explained that there are a lot            of preventative and community services available and it was a matter of             making sure that people are aware of the services and support that are      available;

-           Members welcomed the report which was very encouraging and positive

RESOLVED that the report and outcomes following the CSSIW inspection of Children’s Services be noted.