CfPS Annual Conference 2014

‘You have reached your destination’: scrutiny's role on the road to better places

Safeguarding Children

Amy Weir - Association of Independent LSCB ChairsSandra Pentelow – Scrutiny, Leeds City Council

What does ‘ Safeguarding and Promoting Welfare’ mean to you?

What is your understanding of the role of Scrutiny and LSCBs in ‘Safeguarding and Promoting Welfare’?

What relationship do you think should exist between Scrutiny and LSCBs?

Definition of Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children

• Protecting children from maltreatment• Preventing impairment of children’s health or

development• Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances

consistent with the provision of safe and effective care: and

• Taking action to enable all children to have best outcomes

Working Together 2013

Private Fostering Inquiry

• Victoria Climbié was in a private fostering arrangement. Hidden children

• PFC arrangements in Leeds were judged as inadequate in 2008 and 2011.

• LSCB (statutory)= auditing PFC cases,

Scrutiny (temporary)= inquiry,

joint monitoring of progress.

• Knowledge, Awareness and Understanding

Impact and Value - Leeds

• Early intervention by professionals equipped to recognise a PFC arrangement. (ongoing)

• A significant increase in the number of cases reported and therefore children safeguarded.

• Sound evidence base to support a concentrated effort

• Additional resources

• Clear focus on raising awareness of Private Fostering across Leeds.

Coventry – Daniel Pelka SCR

• Serious Case Reviews and role of LSCBs

• SCR as independent interagency inquiry for publication

• Background to Daniel Pelka case

• National profile and media attention

• Key joint work between Council, LSCB and Scrutiny

Impact and Value - Coventry

• LSCB publication of SCR September 2013• Full Council Meetings dedicated to the case

and webcast - October 13• Scrutiny meeting webcast to receive the SCR

and progress updates• Continued progress chasing by LSCB and

Scrutiny

Clear demonstration of local accountability

Acceptance of failings Shared determination to improve.

What have we gained?

• Clear focus and priority by Scrutiny on safeguarding children

• Collaborative work between LSCB and Scrutiny to gain improved outcomes for children and young people

• Joint work enabling challenge of both Council and Partner Agencies

Safeguarding ChildrenSo, what could you do?

Any Questions?