21 June 2019
Improving outcomes for children
Earlier this year I wrote to the First Minister to request more information on the work underway to deliver his commitments for looked after children. The Committee received a response on 16 April 2019.
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 your understanding 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 the First Minister to seek clarity on the above, and the Children’s Commissioner for Wales to request her view on 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 Nick Ramsay AM, Chair, Public Accounts Committee
David Melding AM, Chair, Ministerial Advisory Group on Improving Outcomes for Children