‘Vulnerable children at risk of harm by failing social services’
CHILDREN were put at risk of harm because of major failures in a Welsh council’s social services, a watchdog has found.
The leader of Powys council has apologised after a damning report into children’s services found that the workforce had been so destabilised that vulnerable youngsters were put “at risk of harm”.
It said there were “serious performance issues with frontline services” following upheaval caused by a major external review in 2016.
The council has now been issued with a written notice giving it 90 days to improve or face being taken over by the Welsh Government.
The report said: “A lack of assessment, care and support planning combined with an inconsistent approach to working in line with the child sexual exploitation guidance and the management of sexual exploitation and risk assessment framework process placed children at risk of harm.”
Evidence was found of missed opportunities to safeguard children, despite requests for support, while there was no effective system in place to identify and manage risks.
However, staff were singled out for praise for their efforts and commitment, with a “real commitment” noted to protecting and responding to safeguarding children, though this was done in spite of “instability in management” and “weak governance”.
Powys leader Rosemarie Harris said. “Their report is both hard-hitting and challenging. We are sorry that we failed to meet the high standards residents deserve and apologise for our shortcomings.
“The council is totally committed to safeguarding children in our county, and I will be leading the council’s response to the recommendations of the inspection from the front as a top priority and that ensuring that the resources are in place to underpin this work.
“We fully understand the challenges facing the service and have already taken action to strengthen key areas and to review areas of concern.
“We are committing additional resources to meet the future needs of the service and have in place a detailed action plan to ensure that the necessary improvements are delivered as a matter of priority.
“A great deal of work has already taken place. Changes were made to senior staff within the Council and immediate steps to strengthen the service were implemented rather than wait for the final publication of the report.”
She said a new head of children’s services had been brought in, David Johnston, who had specialist experience of delivering improvements.
Plaid Cymru Mid and West AM Simon Thomas said: “I’m shocked to discover the depth of failure of leadership at the council and how quickly things have deteriorated.
“I will be seeking urgent assurances from the First Minister this afternoon regarding the immediate safety of children and young people in Powys.”
The Welsh Government have issued Powys County Council with a written notice under Part 8 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.
Minister for Social Services and Public Health Rebecca Evans AM said: “If I am not satisfied with Powys County Council’s progress in complying with the Warning Notice, I will not hesitate to use the powers provided to Welsh Government under the Social Services and Wellbeing Act to intervene more directly.”