Growth and development.pdf

Argyll & ButeThere is a detailed strategy for addressing the duties and responsibilities under the Children(Leaving Care) Act 2000. However, the Council has no dedicated throughcare or aftercareworkers, relying on childcare staff and foster parents to provide support. Although a range ofquality housing and support services is available throughout the area, there are fewer localemployment and training opportunities, and young people often choose to live outwith Argylland Bute. This makes it necessary to have extensive consultation with young people leaving care.The Council intends to employ integration managers to oversee implementation of children’sservices plans in the four principal divisions covered by the authority. Using the Children’sChange Fund, it plans to improve the joint working of education, health and social work staff.4. Performance: Criminal JusticeKey ActivitiesNumber of social enquiry reports submitted to the courts1999-20003702000-20014702000-2001per 10,00075.6Quartile2during the yearNumber of community service orders made during the year 71 95 15.3 3The proportion of social enquiry reports reported to courtwithin target time2000-2001 QuartileProportion of social enquiry reports submitted to the courts 100.0 1by due dateThe time taken to complete community service ordersAverage length of community service (hours) for orders 137 4completed during the yearAverage hours completed per week 5.1 1The rate of social enquiry reports submitted to courts during 2000-2001 was relatively high, thenumber having increased since 1999-2000. All social enquiry reports are submitted to courts bythe due date.A relatively low rate of community service orders was made during 2000-2001. The averagelength of order completed was low compared to many other authorities. The orders werecompleted more quickly than in other authorities with an average 5.1 hours completed per week.The Council forms part of a criminal justice service grouping with East and West Dunbartonshire.It has developed a comprehensive system for quality assurance with elements from:• 20% annual sampling, using a range of key performance indicators derived from nationalstandards and departmental procedures;• client and customer feedback for completion of orders; and• use of need and risk assessment tools.Information is fed back on a monthly basis to the teams as well as to external stakeholders.37