06/04/04 - Cross-party panel drives children's services improvements

Today, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet agreed the terms of reference for a new cross-party panel to drive forward improvements to children’s services in Cumbria.  The panel represents part of the Council’s response to the Social Services Inspectorate report into social care services for children and families, published on 24 February.  County Councillor John Mallinson, Cabinet spokesman for Care and Social Services says, 

“The panel is a working group which will make recommendations to the Interim Director of Social Services and the Cabinet about the implementation of the service improvement action plan.  It will also take over the responsibilities of the `Shaping Children’s Services Panel’ looking at the integration of children’s social care services with education.  The cross-party panel will be able to invite people from other organisations to its meetings, gaining a wide range of views and advice.  The Council is committed to improving services and I am delighted that we have a cross-party agreement to work in the best interests of our children and young people.”

Commenting on the cross-party agreement for the creation of the panel, Stewart Young, Leader of the Labour group says,

“This is a crucial time for Children's Services both in addressing the weaknesses identified by the SSI and in responding to the national agenda, and it is extremely important that we all work together to make sure we get it right." 

The SSI report highlighted a number of areas within children’s services in need of development.  The Children’s Bill was created from recommendations made by Lord Laming after the investigation into Victoria Climbie’s death.  It recommends closer working relationships for organisations responsible for children’s well being.  The integration of Education and Children’s Social Care Services is an important and significant move towards achieving this aim.

The new panel will be made up of three conservative councillors, three Labour councillors and two Liberal Democrat’s.  Positive action has already been taken to implement the recommendations made by the Inspectors and the creation of the cross-party Children’s Services Panel will help to ensure that the planned service improvements are implemented effectively.