Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services.

The report gives an overview of partnership activity in the children and adult safeguarding partnerships. The focus of the report is on the business plan priorities and progress made in 2022-2023

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

Officer contact: Katie Bates on 0161 474 6828 or email: katie.bates@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of partnership activity in the children and adult safeguarding partnerships with the focus being on the business plan priorities and progress made in 2022-2023.

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

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Clarification was sought regarding the ‘reduction to multi-agency referrals’ and the increase in the number of children subject to Child Protections Plans under the category of neglect in April 2022 to March 2023 have increased by 87%. In response, it was stated that during covid there was a significant reduction of children with child protection orders, however, the numbers are increasing again post-covid including more referrals and front door referrals.

·       It was commented that the domestic abuse themes for 2022-23 did not paint a good picture and those circumstances were detrimental to those vulnerable people.

·       It was noted that a ‘domestic abuse strategic group’ had been developed in Stockport and was a priority for safeguarding children and despite the challenges and pressures, there was already a 7% in crease in the budget to support the services.

·       Members enquired about asylum seekers and refugees who didn’t form part of the figures and they would be supported. In response, it was stated that discussions were underway with the police and paediatricians to acquire information and engage with those groups.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.