Growth and development.pdf

The rate of looked after children, though reduced between 1999-2000 and 2000-2001, remainsrelatively high compared to other authorities. A relatively low rate of looked after children is inresidential accommodation, a relatively high rate in foster care.The rate of child protection referrals is relatively high, as is the proportion of children subject toa case conference. The number of children on the child protection register has fallen recently, butthe rate remains relatively high.A comprehensive audit and evaluation of the fostering service against the national standardshas been completed, which identified areas of good practice and areas in need of furtherdevelopment or additional resources This audit is to support the implementation of a threeyear plan to modernise the fostering service.Progress has been made with aspects of education for looked after children:• children benefit from access to learning support and the internet in all placements;• training has been introduced for carers;• changes have been made in the number, size and functions of children’s homes (a 3-bedlong-term residential unit has been opened, supported by a separate 3-bed emergency andshort-term assessment unit); and• a school doctor or community paediatrician completes a comprehensive medical assessmentfor each looked after child following admission.Further developments in multi-disciplinary assessments are being developed.The development of services for care leavers is assisted by a steering group, which includesrepresentatives from children’s services, youth support, finance, benefits advice and job centres.Two aftercare and supported accommodation workers are to be recruited and trained. Progresshas been made in identifying care leavers and estimating the total costs of support but theimplementation of plans is dependent on information from the Scottish Executive on resourcetransfer.The Council has established an integrated model for the provision of early years, education andsocial work childcare services, which meet the needs of vulnerable children and families withinthe context of a universal service. Integrated services for children aged from birth to 5 yearsold have been significantly expanded.Children’s Services have structured the social work area teams around school catchment areas,to ensure integrated localised responses and to help progress the New Community Schoolsagenda. The Council is exploring the development of integrated, multi-professional and localitybasedteams, while retaining specialist teams, such as fostering and adoption.254