Decision details

Cabinet considered the annual safeguarding report from the Director of

Children’s Services.

It was noted that the annual report covered all safeguarding activity in the Department. It was highlighted that there had been a sustained increase in demand for children’s social care services, but despite this performance had remained strong. The primary drivers behind the increased demand were identified as being an increase in mental health issues in both children and adults following the pandemic as well as an increase in domestic abuse. Cabinet’s attention was drawn to the independent review of children’s social care, which concluded that potential delivery improvements existed but would require significant investment.

Concern was raised around the funding support gap for unaccompanied asylum seekers when they became care leavers. It was explained that Hampshire was particularly affected by this due to the number of spontaneous arrivals, combined with those arriving in Hampshire via the national transfer scheme.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A decision record is attached to these minutes.