Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Service Director (Children’s Social Care and Principal Social Worker).

The report provides a review of the Josh McAlister report and includes information relating to the Munro Review of Child Protection and the Competition and Markets Authority Children’s Social Care report.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Rebecca Key, rebecca.key@stockport.gov.uk

The Service Director (Children’s Social Care and Principal Social Worker) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a review of the Josh McAlister report and includes information relating to the Munro Review of Child Protection and the Competition and Markets Authority Children’s Social Care report.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·       Concerns were expressed that the policies might be cost driven rather than taking into account the needs of the children, but also placing children with family and friends which may also not be the best option.

·       It was commented that the needs of the child would come first and the special guardianships were in place to foster children. Wherever possible family members are assessed in the best interest of the child and meet their needs and keep them safe.

·       Members enquired about the financial costs recommended in the report. In response it was stated that the figure used was £2.6 billion worth of investment over five years from the Government to prevent 10,000 more children going into state care.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.