Performance Scrutiny Committee - Partnerships

The Committee considered two yearly updates: the Fostering Service and the South East Wales Adoption Service (SEWAS). It praised the fostering report and made requests and recommendations on both, including for data, community outreach, website changes and school governor training. The minutes record these requests and recommendations, and no other formal decisions.

1. Fostering Service update

   Decided

   The Committee asked for data on educational achievement for children in foster care, and for information on any community-specific cultural challenges to fostering and how councillors can help tackle them. It suggested officers work with ward members to promote fostering at community events. It recommended training for school governors on fostering and adoption, and on how they can support children in care more effectively.

   Why

   The report says the service aims to recruit local foster carers and rely less on outside providers. Thirty children are now in placements with Independent Fostering Agency (IFA) carers, down from 35. Eighty-eight enquiries led to nine new fostering households last year, and most enquirers do not reply after the first information pack. The Committee praised the report and was pleased that efforts are made to keep siblings together.

   Based on the minutes, Item 3 - CR - Fostering Service Update, Item 3.1 - Fostering Services Update

2. South East Wales Adoption Service update

   Decided

   The Committee noted that the adoption offer in Gwent is strong compared with some other regions. It acknowledged the improved social media presence since a new Marketing Officer joined in January 2025. It suggested reaching out to more people who can share information professionally. It recommended a more user-friendly SEWAS website that clearly links to Newport. It asked for feedback in the next report on how protected characteristic status (a legal category that protects people from discrimination) for care-experienced people is being implemented, and its impact on Community Parenting.

   Why

   SEWAS serves five councils, including Newport, and is hosted by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. The report says there is a shortage of adopters, so children wait longer to be matched: at the end of quarter three, 20 Newport children were waiting, the highest of the five areas.

   Based on the minutes, Item 4 CR - South East Wales Adoption Service Update, Item 4.1 - SEWAS Report

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1. 2

   Declarations of Interest

   Minute

   None.

2. 3

   Fostering Service Update

   Minute

   The Cabinet Member for Social Services introduced the report to the Committee. Members considered the report - to access a full recording of the discussion please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic meetings / Cyfarfodydd democrataidd • The Committee praised the positive report and was particularly pleased to hear that there is an effort to keep siblings together. • The Committee requested to be provided with data on educational achievement for children in foster care. • The Committee suggested engaging with community events in wards to highlight the Fostering service and suggested officers could work with ward members to build awareness of these events. • The Committee requested information on whether there are any community-specific cultural challenges relating to fostering and how councillors can help tackle these issues. • The Committee recommended training for school Governors on Fostering and Adoption, and how they could support children in care more effectively.

   Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings

   Papers: Item 3 - CR - Fostering Service Update, Item 3.1 - Fostering Services Update
3. 4

   South East Wales Adoption Service (SEWAS) Update

   Minute

   The Committee considered the report - to access a full recording of the discussion please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic meetings / Cyfarfodydd democrataidd • The Committee wished to note that it was positive to hear that the Adoption offer in Gwent is strong compared to some other regions. • The Committee acknowledged the improvement in social media presence since the new Marketing Officer joined in January 2025, and suggested reaching out to more people who can share information professionally to raise awareness. • The Committee highlighted the difficulty of finding information online about adopting in Newport. They recommended making the SEWAS website more user-friendly and ensuring it clearly links to Newport. • The Committee requested feedback in the next report on how the protected characteristic status for care-experienced individuals is being implemented and its impact on Community Parenting.

   Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings

   Papers: Item 4 CR - South East Wales Adoption Service Update, Item 4.1 - SEWAS Report
4. 5

   Minutes of the Previous Meeting

   Minute

   The minutes of the previous meetings held on 5th February 2025 were accepted as a true and accurate record.

   Papers: Draft Minutes - 05.02.25

Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.

The minutes record no declarations of interest.

• John Reynolds, ChairLabourPresent
• Allan Screen, Committee MemberLabourSent apologies
• Bev Davies, Committee MemberLabourSent apologies
• Farzina Hussain, Committee MemberLabourSent apologies
• Jason Hughes, Committee MemberLabourPresent
• John Jones, Committee MemberConservativeSent apologies
• Kevin Whitehead, Committee MemberNewport Independent PartyPresent
• Laura Lacey, Committee MemberLabourIn attendance
• Paul Bright, Committee MemberLabourPresent
• Stephen Marshall, Committee MemberLabourPresent

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