Agenda item

The Committee scrutinised the following matters:

 

Cabinet Board Proposals

 

7.1     The Children’s Home (Wales) Regulations 2002

 

The Committee received the monthly reports from the Children’s Home (Wales) Regulations 2002 visits from November 2016 to February 2017, as detailed within the circulated report.

 

Members highlighted concerns that certain information and logs were not available at the time of the visits, as this issue had been raised before. Officers had noted this and explained that the visits were unannounced and the logs were onsite either at a centre meeting or being used by staff. It was explained that the officer visiting had not requested the logs. Members were informed that significant improvements had been made following these reports. The new processes have ensured better access to information and the documentation for officers had also improved. It was noted that risk assessments were now signed off by team managers at weekly multidisciplinary meetings.

 

It was highlighted that there had been some complaints about a pool table being removed from one of the Units. It was explained that it had to be removed due to an incident. The tables were now accessible but not in the main lounge area. It was highlighted that some of the issues with bedrooms and bathroom facilities were being addressed through the modernisation process. It was noted that there were ongoing problems with power surges affecting the heating and hot water.

 

It was noted that it had been suggested that sanctions should be more consistent and relatable to the behaviour. Officers agreed that there was some need for improvement in consistency and staff understanding the process.

 

It was highlighted that the changes to the staff rota had been implemented and had resulted in significant improvements. Staffing rotas were now comparatively better than other areas. Officers explained that good progress had been made in developing the multidisciplinary team, including mental health services and they were delivering positive outcomes.

 

It was highlighted that since January 2016 there had been a change in reporting officers, which had also improved reporting arrangements and reports were received in a timelier manner. Members asked if there were positive reinforcements to improve behaviours of young people. Officers explained that there was an award system in place that ranged from bronze to platinum level and the young people could gain different privileges from moving up the levels. It was agreed that the scheme would be circulated to the Committee for information. It was noted that the responses to behaviour was tailored to the needs of the children and young people.

 

Members commented that there had been some positive changes taking place in Hillside.

 

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

         

 

7.2     The Manager’s Report on Hillside Secure Children’s Home

         

The Committee received the Managers Report on Hillside Secure Children’s Home, which provided information on staff and service planning and development for the period 1 November 2015 to 28 April 2016, as detailed within the circulated report.

 

Members were informed that there had been some admissions of 11 year olds, which was an unusual occurrence and an indication of the complexities of young people that the Service was dealing with. It was highlighted that there had been three young people from Neath Port Talbot admitted into Hillside during this period. The higher number of admissions was historically from Children’s Homes. It was highlighted that Hillside had also responded to the increased need in providing secure beds for Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) requests from the Police and Emergency Duty Team.

 

It was highlighted that education attendance was quite stable. It was noted that a lot of the young people had a low level of education and it was a challenge to the professionals to meet need. The young people had written to three influential people and had received a response from the Pope, which was a boost for them. Members were informed that a Speech and Language Therapist would be employed for two days a week. Members were pleased with this positive development.

 

It was noted that there had been some staff turnover and this was due to them leaving for other opportunities or retirement. There had been some recruitment into posts and overall the team was stable. There had been a lot more training opportunities for staff and the new rota system had assisted with staff having the time to attend training sessions. It was noted that sickness absence was higher than the Council average and it was a challenging environment to work in. However, the appropriate policies were being followed to manage this.

 

The average length of stay was two months and six days. It was highlighted that by the time young people arrive at Hillside they could have been through up to 24 different placements which would have further traumatised them. If young people could be admitted to Hillside sooner and for longer periods they could have more of an impact with the resources they now had available.

 

The Trauma Recovery Model that was being used in Hillside was proving effective and all staff were receiving this training so there was a consistent approach to interactions with young people. Staff had also been taken through a walkthrough of the first 24 hours of being admitted to secure care so they could view it from the perspective of the young person. This process provided a number of positive outcomes including admission information and aesthetic appearance of admission areas and family room. Members were please that the Clinical Team was being developed and the approach being taken by Hillside.

 

Members queried when a visit to Hillside could be arranged and it was noted that there was an open day on 28 June 2016, further information would be circulated to Members.

 

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