Agenda and minutes

To note who is attending and any apologies for absence.

Introductions around the room were made and apologies were noted from County Councillors Brindle, Case, Mein and Taylor and Joanna Hunt, Ismail Karolia, Sue Parr, Debbie Ross and Jane Simpson.

The Chair noted that this was Paul Armitage's last meeting before he moved to his new job with Ofsted.  On behalf of the Board Paul was thanked for his contribution to the Board over the last few years and was wished all the best for the future.

To agree for accuracy the notes of the meeting.

The notes of the meeting held on 6 December 2012 were agreed as an accurate record.

To receive an update from the matters arising from the notes of the meeting.

Minute 63 in respect of the nominations from the adoptive sector discussions were on-going with potential representatives and once agreed would be invited to the next meeting.

Minute 67 in respect of the celebration event Debbie reported that the young people were particularly keen for the event to have a formal part when certificates would be handed out.  Blackpool Pleasure Beach was felt to be a good venue as long as the young people could have time to get ready for the certificate ceremony.

County Councillor Winder

To note feedback from work undertaken by the Chair of the Board and our Elected Members including Members' visits.  To receive an update on the quilt tour.

CC Winder updated the Board on the various meetings, visits and actions he had been involved in as the Chair of the Board.

He particularly mentioned the Quilt tour which had started on Monday and thanked Sam for pulling it all together.  A group would be pulled together to consider where the Quilt should be permanently on display and their recommendations will be brought to a future meeting of the Board.

The Chair also mentioned a visit he had made to Crawshawbooth County Primary School where the children asked lots of questions about Fostering, Adoption and Children in Care.

County Councillor Evans updated the Board on the position of young people in particular from the Willows who had been supported in getting placements.

Debbie gave the Board an overview of the work that has been done so far.  The young people feedback on what the three area groups had been doing.

Marc feedback that the Health and Wellbeing Board were very impressed by the feedback and views of the young people.

Forthcoming activities included a weekend away in March and activities in the school holidays for primary-aged children.

Louise raised the issue of ensuring the piece of work around the 'big discussion' takes place.  This work is around having a discussion with young people and developing a clear offer of what our children looked after should expect to receive, for example, trips and outings etc.

Mike Snelson introduces the Board to the work that had been undertaken around the topic of children missing.

The Board noted that a strategy had been developed that was nearing completion and by answering a couple of questions any new comments could be included if appropriate.

The Board split into groups to discuss what they felt Children Missing meant and what a definition and strategy should include.

In receiving the feedback Mike was particularly taken by the words "feeling out of place" and would look to see if this could be included in the final strategy.

Lynne shared some useful data around the numbers of incidents and various breakdown figures within the totals.

Mike and Lynne were thanked for their presentation both in content and style of delivery.

Tony Morrissey introduced this topic, a report having been circulated with the agenda.

The Board noted that some things had not been completed in the original timeframe set by the action plan but work has on-going to address these issues.

Tony drew the Board's attention to the wish to have young people involved in the inspection process.

The Board was asked to note the report and the progress made against the areas for improvement identified by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission and the additional actions taken by partners to further improve the effectiveness of our services to safeguarding and looked after children.

And to consider how it can also play a role in ensuring the actions taken are making a difference to looked after children lives.

The Chair asked the Board to think about these things and come back with any thoughts and ideas.

Tony Morrissey took the Board through the presentation on the Annual Report on the IRO service.

The Board noted the report and the achievements of the service during 2011/12.

Tony was particularly keen to have young person's views on the content of the IRO Annual Report for 2013/14.  In respect of this Debbie agreed to take this forward with the young people and will report back in due course.

County Councillor Tony Winder

Thursday, 18 April 2013 at 6.00pm in Cabinet Room 'C', County Hall, Preston, PR1 8RJ.

The Board noted that the next meeting was scheduled to be held on Thursday, 18 April 2013 at 6.00pm at County Hall, Preston.

To note the attached document.

The current position regarding applications was noted.

Louise Mackender de Cari presented the Board with a set of key messages.

The Board agreed to receive the performance information in this format in the future.