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Tuesday, July 29, 2008, 08:00
A report into how such children are cared for found the council, which has already been granted official beacon status, often exceeds national targets.
The council has 170 youngsters in care, many of whom have suffered abuse or neglect. Some are only looked after for short periods before returning to their parents, being adopted or going to live with guardians. Others remain in care until they reach adulthood.
South Gloucestershire has already been granted beacon status for improving the outcome of those children in its care.
Its fostering service has also been recognised as “excellent” by the Commission for Social Care Inspection and awarded top marks by Ofsted for two years running.
Members of the council's ruling cabinet received copies of the report when they met in Thornbury and were told how the authority had implemented a range of schemes under its corporate parenting strategy. These include a work experience project within the council's own offices, with more than 30 youngsters already taking up placements, and a “trainer” flat that allows youngsters to live independently for several weeks to prepare for when they leave care.
The youngsters in care are even involved in the recruitment of children's social services staff. Nine young people are trained to sit on the interview panel and made valuable contributions to the recruitment process.
The report said all children in care had a dedicated nurse and an above-average level of health and dental assessments.
Every youngster in school also had a personal education plan, which was reviewed half-yearly, with extra support available.
The council said every effort was made to give young people stability. Only 9.8 per cent of children were moved more than three times in the first year they were in care during 2007-08. Of those children in care for more than two-and-a-half years, 72.5 per cent had stable placements in 2006-07 and 68 per cent in 2007-08.
Councillor Sheila Cook, the executive member for children and young people, said: “Children and young people are this council's top priority and we are delighted that our services for those in care are so successful.
“This report highlights the excellent work done by our staff, but also reflects well on the young people who we support. Several of them were involved in producing the Beacon Award application and they accompanied us to the award ceremony in London.
“We will continue to work with children and young people to improve our services further and ensure that all reach their potential.”
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