Growth and development.pdf

3. Performance: Children and FamiliesBalance of care – Looked afterchildren (aged 0-17)At home 295 9.3 1 163 5.1 2With friends/relatives/other community 68 2.1 1 56 1.8 1With foster carers/prospective adopters 48 1.5 4 81 2.5 3In residential accommodation 68 2.1 1 76 2.4 1Total 479 15 1 376 11.8 1Key performance indicators1999-2000actual1998-1999actual1999-2000per 1,0001998-1999per 1,000QuartileQuartile2000-2001actual1999-2000actual2000-2001per 1,0001999-2000per 1,000QuartileQuartileChild protection (CP) referrals 144 5.1 3 97 3.4 4(aged 0-15)Children subject to a CP case 69 2.5 3 65 2.3 3conference (aged 0-15)Children placed on CP register 44 1.5 3 48 1.7 2(aged 0-15)Adoption applications in year 9 0.3 3 10 0.3 3(aged 0-17)Stranger adopter applications 3 0.1 4 6 0.2 2(aged 0-17)Between 1999 and 2001 the number of children looked after reduced significantly (mainly inthose living at home), but the rate remains higher than in most other authorities. The rate ofchildren living with foster carers has increased, but remains relatively low. The rate living inresidential accommodation has remained high and this continues to be addressed. Thesetrends are attributed primarily to the behaviour of drug misusing parents, but the social workand education departments have together made a significant impact on the balance of care forlooked after children in the last year: the numbers of children in residential schools and inresidential units have reduced very significantly. A review of the youth strategy is planned.The rate of child protection referrals is lower than in most other authorities and the rate ofchildren subject to a case conference is also relatively low. The number of children placed onthe child protection register has increased since 1998 and the rate is now relatively high. Thenumber of stranger adoption applications doubled between 1998-1999 and 1999-2000.The Rosemount Project aims to develop positive relationships between young people of 12-16and their families, while maintaining the young people in the family homes and challenginginappropriate behaviour. The project group meets regularly and is intended to helpidentification of personal social developmental needs and the development of confidence, skillsand knowledge to address those needs.In an effort to improve the educational achievements of looked after children, joint support teamshave been formed in every secondary school. The Council has addressed the recommendationsof Learning with Care:• all children have care plans in which learning needs are identified;• audits of educational environments have been completed and actioned; and• plans to link information systems are ongoing.180