Minutes:
Because
of the need to deal now with the matter contained within Minute No 3 below, the
Chairman agreed that this could be raised at today’s meeting as an urgent item
pursuant to Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972.
Reason:
Due
to the time element.
3. Urgent Report of the Head of Social Work Services and the
Western Bay Programme Director on the Western Bay Health and Social Care
Programme Update.
Members asked whether the Multi Agency Placement
Support Service (MAPPS) would work in a similar way to the Child and Adolescent
Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and if service users could expect to experience
the same delays in accessing the service? Officers explained that they are working closely
with ABMU to try to resolve the issues with the CAMHS service but that MAPPS is
for children who are in the care of the Local Authority only so there should
not be the same issues. Officers agreed to submit a report by the end of the
financial year detailing what the MAPPS remit is.
Members asked how the progress of the Integrated
Autism Service is monitored. It was explained that the reports on the different
workstreams would be brought to Committee to assist Members understand the
progress. Members enquired if the development work of the Integrated Autism
Service included the involvement of Swansea University. It was stated that they
have not been involved but confirmed that they would be contacted to discuss
potential for future engagement.
The report states that the Western Bay Programme mirrors
the footprint of the Health Board and the Committee sought assurance that this
did not mean a duplication of work. Officers explained that continuous
discussion takes place to ensure that this is not the case and clarified that
the Western Bay Programme covers the same demographical area as the Health
Board.
Members asked for further information in relation
to the mechanisms that are in place for ensuing that decisions are being taken
forward locally. It was clarified that all decisions are subject to each
Council/Health Board individual scrutiny processes and issues are escalated to
the Officer and Cabinet Members representatives on the Regional Board.
The Committee wondered what the situation would be
in the event that a Local Authority did not agreeing with decisions taken by
partner Authorities.Officers explained that discussion would take place between
partners and a compromise and solution agreed.
Members expressed concern at the potential impact
on the Western Bay partnership if Bridgend leaves the Western Bay Partnership
as is proposed. Officers stated that the Partnership would need to adjust
within the parameters of its remaining partners and presently a mapping out
exercise is taking place. It was noted that nothing has been confirmed at the
moment in relation to the position of Bridgend and that some of the
collaborative projects would continue as they are currently.
Members asked for clarification on what the word
‘frail’ means in the context of the circulated report. Officers agreed that the
word ‘frail’ is used across Adult Services and can mean different things across
the service. Officers committed to finding out what the definition is for the
purpose of this report and will circulate to Members via email.
The Committee asked what happens after the Step Up/
Step Down Assessment package has finished and after the 6 week period is
complete. It was explained that a number of other services are then made
available dependant on the need of the service user and after the assessment
period is complete.
Third Sector Brokerage was discussed and the
Committee queried if this referred service users to community based support.
They were informed that a mapping exercise is currently taking place to
understand what is available in communities.
A Strategic Plan will be brought to the next meeting for Members
consideration which will include what is available and where the gaps are of
provision. The Chair asked Members to highlight to Officers any organisations
that provide support in their ward areas to assist with this mapping out
exercise.
The Committee sought assurance on the robustness of
the Western Bay Collaborative and asked for further information in relation to
the Communication Strategy. Officers explained that communication is
challenging between different and separate organisations but agreed that it is
essential between partners and essential with service users also. It was
explained that Partners meet to discuss concerns and that information gathering
events are held within communities to find out what improvements can be made
and what will make a difference.
Officers committed to ensuring that Members are kept updated on these
events.
Members asked if there was a legal requirement for
Neath Port Talbot to participate with the Western Bay Programme. Legal Officers
explained that under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 the
Authority has a duty to work collaboratively and to ensure that the costs are
to be resourced appropriately. It was
highlighted that if the Authority does not fulfil its obligations it could be
taken to judicial review. Officers also explained that each partner gains
positively out of the collaborative by sharing good and bad practices and
information and by working collaboratively financial savings are realised. Members noted the many successful projects
that are under the Western Bay Collaborative such as the Adoption Service,
Youth Offending Team and the Safeguarding Children Board. Members welcomed the
update and hearing about some of the positive work that is being progressed
under the Western Bay programme
Following scrutiny it was agreed that the report be
noted.