Agenda and minutes

The Committee considered the minutes of the meeting held on 11^th October 2018.

Members queried whether a response had been received from Officers in relation to the questions on Western Bay. Officers stated they would get a response to the Committee by the end of the week.

The Committee noted the minutes.

Members asked if the proposed changes to the Day Centres as part of the Forward Financial Plan could be added to the Forward Work Programme. Officers explained that this was part of the Budget discussions that would be taking place in December at a special meeting of the Social Care, Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee.

Clarification was also sought as to why the Staff Survey had been removed from the Forward Work Programme. Officers explained that the item had been on the Social Care, Health and Wellbeing Cabinet Board Forward Work Programme for February 2019 and had not been deferred from another date.  But an update was given at today’s meeting explaining that the report would not be ready for the February 2019 meeting but would be submitted to the March 2019 meeting.

Officers informed the Committee that the Mental Health Recovery Plan is now complete and also a Mental Health training session will take place in the new year.

3.1    Adult Safeguarding and Quality Assurance

The Committee received information in relation to Adult Safeguarding and Quality Assurance as contained within the circulated report.

Members received a briefing on the impact that the Supreme Court Judgement, Cheshire West ruling had on all Local Authorities which forced all Local Authorities across the UK to revise their approach to Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.  As a result there has been an increase in DoLS referrals nationally from 13,000 per annum to 200,000 per annum.

A copy of the risk matrix as identified in the circulated report to be brought to the next meeting.

Members queried as the numbers of referrals has increased is the Team Structure appropriate for the demand.  Officers advised that they would include a flowchart on how the referral process works and case studies in the next report for Members information.

It was asked what has been undertaken in Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council to eliminate the DoLS backlogs/

Officers advised that it’s due to the Raising Awareness Training and that Neath Port Talbot CBC has a dedicated DoLS Team.

Members highlighted that on Page 18 of the circulated report it stated that there were 48 outstanding Adult at risk cases (open more than 3 months). Some cases have to remain open for police investigation. It was noted that in 2016 this figure stood at 332 cases and Members asked for figures to be provided to compare against previous years

Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.

4.1    Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Members received an overview of the Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) as detailed in the circulated report.

Discussion took place on the multi-agency approach needed to ensure that Children and Adults with ASD receive the support needed.  It was confirmed that the Director of Social Services, Health and Housing is the lead officer for the Autism Plan. Members asked that a Joint Scrutiny Committee be arranged with Social Care, Health and Wellbeing and the Education, Skills and Culture Scrutiny Committees to ensure that Members of both Scrutiny Committees are aware of the Plan and the impact of budget proposals across Directorates.

Members queried how the Pathway to Diagnosis works and how do service users access the service? Officers explained that Children/Young People would be identified in schools and a referral submitted. With the under 5’s the Health Visitor would refer to Paediatrics’. Members asked did the process take a long-time. Officers explained that they don’t have the data on timescales presently but would circulate the data to Members but that the timescales are improving but can still take a long time.

Members asked if a more detailed description of other conditions could be added to the plan.  In addition, when it states that ASD Services need strengthening what services are being referred too.

Members queried how long did children/young people have to wait after a referral had been submitted?

Officers explained that at the point of identifying the need for a referral other services are put in place to support all the needs of the child/young person so the child/young person is not left without support.

Members queried whether private child care providers were included in any training and were they able to refer children?

Officers explained that the Raising Awareness Campaign is starting in Flying Start areas and private nursery providers to raise their awareness.

Members asked how are parents/carers selected to sit on the Steering Group. How do we ensure that there are a variety of parents/carers points of view listened to. Officers explained that there are a range of parents group that have been consulted, events have been held to raise awareness and parents are also encouraged to contact the service directly with their views.

Members asked what impact will the Plan have on adult diagnosis and what support would be given after that diagnosis to support them with employment?

Officers advised that there is currently support available from many services. They provide a variety of support and undertake home visits when required and provide support in the workplace, whatever support is needed.

Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

5.1     Social Services Complaints and Representations Annual Report 2017-18

The Committee received information in relation to the Complaints and Representations Annual Report 2017-18 as contained within the circulated report.

Members were pleased that the numbers of complaints were reducing but asked what lessons were learnt from the complaints that had been upheld. Officers explained Head of Children and Young People Services meet with Complainants and a detailed response is sent out to the Complainants. The outcomes are fed into Managers meetings, training officers are updated on issues that need additional/further training and in some cases where necessary issues with individual staff are addressed by their manager. Also, lessons learnt are fed into audits to ensure that improved practice has taken place.  Complainants are also invited where appropriate to attend Staff Group to give an overview of their issues so that staff can actually hear the issues in person. Officers also confirmed that adult services complaints has the same process.

Members identified that there was a need to include comparative data in the next Complaints Report to enable Members to see any changes year on year. Officers to bring comparative data to a future meeting of the Social Care, Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee.

Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.

5.2    Proposed remodel and relocation of Complex Needs Day Services

Members received an overview of the proposal to enter into a formal 45 day public consultation regarding a proposed remodel and relocation of the current Complex Needs Day Services as detailed in the circulated report.

Members asked if the proposal affected the delivery of any services provided by external providers. Officers explained that there was no external provider’s delivery the services in the proposed changes. All the services were currently provided internally. The proposal out for consultation was for rather than having 3 sites that provide a complex needs service each site would specialise in different complex needs service. Presently, there are service users with Complex Autism needs sharing the same site as a service user with Health Needs. These would be provided on different sites.

Members asked that maps be provided to show where the sites are. Also, what is the impact for someone receiving a service at a current site and moving them to another site with the additional issue of the reduction of the availability of transport. Officers advised that currently due to the complex needs of service users, only specialist transport can be used and the service is needs led so the transport arrangements would remain the same just to different sites.

Members queried what was the transport position with new service users? Officers explained that these issues should be identified in the consultation and would be included in the consultation document.

Members asked how Officers ensure that service users who have complex needs are able to participate in the consultation. It was explained that Officers liaise with the families, carers who provide care for the service user and each service user would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

RESOLVED:      That pursuant to Section 100A (4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded for the following items of business which involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the above Act.

7.1    Contractual Arrangements for a Crisis Support service for Young People.

The Committee received information in relation to the Contractual Arrangements for a Crisis Support service for Young People as contained within the circulated report.

Members asked in relation to the contract, if this is going to end, why is it going ahead. Officers explained they will get the correct information and get back to the Committee.

Following scrutiny, the Committee were supportive of the proposals to be considered at Cabinet Board.