Perth and Kinross Child Protection Committee Standard and Quality Report 2023-24
Perth and Kinross Council · 20 November 2024
Back to Scrutiny and Performance Committee — 20 November 2024 and its agenda
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Perth and Kinross Council Scrutiny and Performance Committee 20 November 2024 Perth and Kinross Council 4 December 2024 PERTH AND KINROSS CHILD PROTECTION COMMITTEE STANDARDS AND QUALITY REPORT 2023/2024 Report by Chief Social Work Officer (Report No. 24/315) 1. PURPOSE 1.1 Perth and Kinross Child Protection Committee (CPC), in compliance with Scottish Government guidance, publishes an annual Standards and Quality (S&Q) report. This report is routinely presented to Elected Members on an annual basis. This S&Q report, for the academic year 2023/2024, provides an overview of the key activities and work of the CPC partners to protect children and young people from harm, abuse and exploitation. 1.2 This report describes the CPC’s achievements, key strengths, and areas for improvement. It also includes an update on the CPC’s new Improvement Plan, confirms that the CPC continues to focus on learning and improvement, and has in place, a comprehensive programme of improvement work for 2024/2025. 2. RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 It is recommended that the Scrutiny and Performance Committee: • Scrutinises and comments, as appropriate, on the Perth and Kinross CPC S&Q Report 2023/2024 (Appendix 1), the contents of the Perth and Kinross CPC Improvement Plan 1 April 2023 – 31 July 2026 (Update) (Appendix 2) and the Executive Summary of the CPC S&Q Report and Infographic 2023/2024 (Appendix 3). It is recommended that Council: • Notes the wide range of work being carried out by Perth and Kinross Council and their partners, through the CPC, to provide high quality services to protect children and young people, in particular, the high- level of commitment to continuous improvement through quality assurance and self-evaluation; and • Endorses the contents of this report, the Perth and Kinross CPC S&Q Report 2023/2024 (Appendix 1), the contents of the Perth and Kinross CPC Improvement Plan 1 April 2023 – 31 July 2026 (Update) (Appendix 2) and the Executive Summary of the CPC S&Q Report and Infographic 2023/2024 (Appendix 3).
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3. STRUCTURE OF REPORT 3.1 This report is structured over the following sections: • Section 4: Background • Section 5: Analysis • Section 6: Conclusion • Appendices 4. BACKGROUND 4.1 Child Protection Committees in Scotland are encouraged to publish an annual report in compliance with the requirements described in protecting children and young people: Child Protection Committee and Chief Officer responsibilities (Scottish Government: February 2019). This S&Q report covers the work of the CPC for the academic year from 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2024. 4.2 The format of the S&Q report aligns with the Care Inspectorate’s Quality Framework For Children and Young People in need of Care and Protection (Care Inspectorate: Revised 2022). 4.3 The S&Q report presents an overview of performance in services to protect children and young people and is based on sound evidence, obtained through a range of single and multi-agency key performance indicators (data), quality assurance and self-evaluation activities. It describes achievements, key strengths, and areas for further improvement. Within Appendix 3, the Executive Summary of the CPC S&Q Report and Infographic 2023/2024, there is a high-level overview of the work of the CPC in 2023/2024 and an accompanying infographic which sets out the key points from the main report in a visual format. 5. ANALYSIS 5.1 As noted within the introduction by the Independent Chair of Perth and Kinross Child Protection Committee to the S&Q report on page 4 (Appendix 1), there has been considerable changes in the membership of the CPC and a change of personnel with the Child Protection Interagency Coordinator retiring from their post in March 2024. A successor was appointed to the role in February 2024 and commenced their new position in April 2024. A period of transition has been underway since then, beginning with the CPC Development Day later that month in April 2024. This provided an opportunity for members to take stock of the changes and to reconfirm our shared goals and effective ways of working together to deliver them. 5.2 The S&Q report provides data and narrative regarding performance management information on key multi-agency child protection processes (pages 8-15 of Appendix 1).
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The emerging picture is encouraging with a slowing of the upward trend of the number of Child Concern Reports (CCRs)1 received and a decrease, for the second consecutive year, in the number of Interagency Referral Discussions (IRDs)2 held and the corresponding number of Child Protection Investigations3 undertaken. The number of unborn babies, babies, children and young people on the Child Protection Register has remained steady, having reached its lowest point, since 2013, in 2022/2023. The number of unborn babies referred also remained steady as a percentage of the overall number of recorded pregnancies within Perth and Kinross. 5.3 The reduction in the use of multi-agency child protection processes is explored on page 14 of the S&Q report. Three factors are identified: the realignment of services towards earlier intervention; multi-agency work to ensure that IRDs are consistently and proportionately convened; and the possibility that the figures are returning to more expected levels following the increases seen during the Covid pandemic. 5.4 From pages 16 to 23, the S&Q report outlines the major findings from its multi- agency and desktop audits. This audit activity provided reassurance that children and young people in need of care and protection received good immediate responses which were delivered through strong multi-agency working relationships and facilitated through effective information sharing. Identified areas for development included working towards more meaningful inclusion of children and young people in decision-making, SMARTer (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound, evaluation and review) use of Child and Young Person’s Plans and strengthening the use of chronologies in assessment. 5.5 The CPC has continued to support the implementation of collective and individual advocacy approaches for children and young people, promoting child and family-centred approaches, including the Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM) and the Bairns’ Hoose pilot project, as well as strengthening areas of practice through the introduction of new guidance. These areas are detailed on pages 32 to 45 of the S&Q report. 5.6 The importance of partnership working with our third and independent sector colleagues, including Barnardo’s, PKAVS Young Carers and NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children), is highlighted, along with the essential role that volunteers play in supporting vulnerable children and young people, from pages 43 to 45 of the S&Q report. 1 Note: A Child Concern Report (CCR) is a mechanism by which any practitioner or manager across the public, private or third sector, or indeed, any member of the public, can raise any worry or concern they may have about a child or young person's health and/or wellbeing. 2 Note: An Inter-Agency Referral Discussion (IRD) is the start of the formal inter-agency process of information sharing, assessment, analysis and decision-making, following a reported concern about the abuse or neglect of a child or young person up to the age of 18 years; in relation to familial and non- familial concerns; and of siblings or other children within the same context. This includes any concern about an unborn baby that may be exposed to current or future risk. 3 Note: A Child Protection Investigation is carried out jointly by specially trained police officers and social workers. Such investigations are carried out where a Child Concern Report, including an Unborn Baby Referral, indicates that a child or young person is in need of care and protection from harm, abuse or neglect; or there is a likelihood or risk of significant harm, abuse, neglect or exploitation.
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5.7 The CPC child protection learning and development offer continues to be positively evaluated by participants in terms of increased knowledge and impact on practice. The CPC child protection learning and development officer has designed a programme of training which provides a range of opportunities for practitioners to stay current with new guidance, practice developments and legislation, as shown on pages 50 to 55 of the S&Q report. 5.8 An update on the CPC’s new Improvement Plan 1 April 2023 - 31 July 2026 is provided at Appendix 2. This plan co-ordinates the CPC’s three-year improvement work programme. However, the timescales within the original plan have proven to be somewhat ambitious in view of the changes in CPC membership, personnel, and the complexity of some of the tasks. These changes have provided an opportunity to refocus, refresh and streamline the plan. This will enable new practice, guidance, and legislative developments, anticipated within 2025/2026, to be incorporated within the plan and ensure alignment with the cross-cutting themes between our Public Protection partnerships. The updated Plan will be considered at the CPC meeting in December 2024. In the interim period, where tasks are under review in terms of timescales and actions, this is noted within the column named ‘Initial Progress Report & Evidence @ 30 September 2024’. 6. CONCLUSION 6.1 The annual Perth and Kinross CPC S&Q Report 2023/2024 provides a comprehensive, high-level overview and analysis of the work carried out by the CPC, partner services and agencies to keep children and young people safe and protected. It sets out clearly, the work and priorities of the CPC to support the most vulnerable and at-risk children and young people. It demonstrates that the CPC has continued to be an effective multi-agency partnership which promotes continuous improvement, builds strategic connections, and seeks engagement and participation in line with its prescribed functions.
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Authors Name Designation Contact Details Julie Baker Bill Atkinson Child Protection Interagency Coordinator Independent Chair of the Perth and Kinross CPC FBSCommittee@pkc.gov.uk 01738 475000 Approved Name Designation Date Arun Singh Strategic Lead – Children, Families and Justice 7 November 2024
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ANNEX 1. IMPLICATIONS, ASSESSMENTS, CONSULTATION AND COMMUNICATION Strategic Implications Yes/None Community Plan/Single Outcome Agreement Yes Corporate Plan Yes Resource Implications Financial N/A Workforce N/A Asset Management (land, property, IST) N/A Assessments Equality Impact Assessment N/A Strategic Environmental Assessment N/A Sustainability (community, economic, environmental) N/A Legal and Governance N/A Risk N/A Consultation Internal Yes External Yes Communication Communications Plan N/A 1. Strategic Implications Community Plan/Single Outcome Agreement 1.1 This section sets out how the proposals relate to the delivery of the Perth and Kinross Community Plan/Single Outcome Agreement in terms of the following priorities: (i) Giving every child the best start in life; (ii) Developing educated, responsible, and informed citizens; (iii) Promoting a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable economy; (iv) Supporting people to lead independent, healthy, and active lives; and (v) Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations. This report relates to Objective No. (i). Corporate Plan 1.2 This section sets out how the proposals relate to the achievement of the Council’s Corporate Plan Objectives: (i) Giving every child the best start in life; (ii) Developing educated, responsible, and informed citizens; (iii) Promoting a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable economy; (iv) Supporting people to lead independent, healthy, and active lives; and (v) Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations.
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This report relates to Objective No. (i). 1.3 The report also links to the Education & Children’s Services Vision, Values and Priorities in respect of the following key Priority area: • Safe and Protected 2. Resource Implications Financial 2.1 There are no known financial resource implications at this time. Workforce 2.2 There are no known workforce resource implications at this time. Asset Management (land, property, IT) 2.3 There are no asset management resource implications at this time. 3. Assessments 3.1 Under the Equality Act 2010, the Council is required to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between equality groups. Carrying out Equality Impact Assessments for plans and policies allows the Council to demonstrate that it is meeting these duties. 3.1.1 The proposals have been considered under the Corporate Equalities Impact Assessment process (EqIA) with the following outcome: (i) Assessed as not relevant for the purposes of EqIA. Strategic Environmental Assessment 3.2 The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 places a duty on the Council to identify and assess the environmental consequences of its proposals. 3.2.1 The proposals have been considered under the Act; however, no further action is required as it does not qualify as a PPS as defined by the Act and is therefore exempt.
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Sustainability 3.3 Under the provisions of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003, the Council has to discharge its duties in a way which contributes to the achievement of sustainable development. Under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 the Council also has a duty relating to climate change and, in exercising its functions must act: • In the way best calculated to delivery of the Act’s emissions reduction targets. • In the way best calculated to deliver any statutory adaption programmes. • In a way that it considers most sustainable. 3.3.1 The proposals have been assessed as not applicable. Legal and Governance 3.4 There are no associated risks at this time. 3.5 Not applicable. Risk 3.6 There are no associated risks at this time. 4. Consultation Internal 4.1 The Head of Legal and Governance Services; the Children, Young People and Families Partnership, Education and Learning Senior Management Team, Children, Families and Justice Senior Management Team and the CPC and their partners have been consulted in the preparation of this report. External 4.2 The CPC and their partners have been consulted in the preparation of this report – including NHS Tayside, Police Scotland – Tayside Division and the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA). 5. Communication 5.1 There are no communication issues at this time. 2. BACKGROUND PAPERS 2.1 No background papers, as defined by Section 50D of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (and not containing confidential or exempt information) were relied on to a material extent in preparing this report.
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3. APPENDICES 3.1 Appendix 1: Perth and Kinross CPC Standards and Quality Report 2023/2024 Appendix 2: Perth and Kinross CPC Improvement Plan 1 April 2023 – 31 July 2026 (Update) Appendix 3: Perth and Kinross Executive Summary of the CPC Standards and Quality Report and Infographic 2023/2024