21 June 2019

Dear Mark,

Improving outcomes for children

Thank you for your letter of 16 April 2019 in response to my request for more information on the work underway to deliver your commitments for looked after children.

Further to this correspondence, it has been drawn to my attention as Chair of the CYPE Committee that there are concerns in relation to expectations for reductions in the numbers of looked after children.

As a Committee, we recognise that the first workstream in the Welsh Government’s programme for improving outcomes for children refers to safely reducing the numbers of children in need of care. Nevertheless, we are concerned by the matters which have been raised with us, amongst which is the suggestion that local authorities will be expected to set targets as a driver to reduce the numbers of children in need of care.

To establish a clear understanding of the latest position, we would be grateful if you could provide more information on the Welsh Government’s expectations of:

· how the aims of the workstream and wider programme will be put into practice at both a national and local authority level;

· the nature and aims of any targets that will be introduced;

· (if they are to be introduced), who will be responsible for setting them, risk assessing them, and monitoring their impact.

I will be writing to both the Association of Directors of Social Services and the Children’s Commissioner for Wales to request information on their understanding of these matters. I will share a copy of all relevant correspondence with the Public Accounts Committee given its work on care experienced children and young people, and with David Melding AM as Chair of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Improving Outcomes for Children.

Yours sincerely

Lynne Neagle AM
Chair

Cc Julie Morgan AM, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services

Nick Ramsay AM, Chair, Public Accounts Committee

David Melding AM, Chair, Ministerial Advisory Group on Improving Outcomes for Children