The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee of Manchester Council convened on 26 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the Children's Social Care National Framework, the Review and Refresh of the Children and Young People's Plan (CYPP), and the impact of domestic abuse on children.

Children's Social Care National Framework

The committee reviewed the Children's Social Care National Framework, which aims to standardise and improve the quality of social care services for children across the country. The framework outlines key principles and practices to ensure that children receive consistent and high-quality care. The committee discussed the implications of implementing this framework in Manchester, with a focus on resource allocation and training for social care workers. One member noted,

Implementing this framework will require significant investment in training and resources, but it is essential for ensuring that all children in Manchester receive the care they deserve.

Review and Refresh of the Children and Young People's Plan (CYPP)

The Review and Refresh of the Children and Young People's Plan (CYPP) was another major topic of discussion. The CYPP outlines the council's strategic priorities for supporting children and young people in the city. The review highlighted progress made in areas such as education, mental health, and youth services, while also identifying areas needing further improvement. The committee agreed to adopt the refreshed plan, emphasising the importance of continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure its effectiveness.

Domestic Abuse and Children

The impact of domestic abuse on children was addressed through the Domestic Abuse and Children Report. The report highlighted the significant and long-lasting effects of domestic abuse on children's mental and emotional well-being. The committee discussed strategies for providing better support to affected children, including increased funding for counselling services and closer collaboration with local domestic abuse charities. One councillor remarked,

We must ensure that children who experience domestic abuse receive the support they need to heal and thrive. This requires a coordinated effort from all sectors involved.

Kinship Care

The committee also examined the Kinship Care report, which focuses on children being cared for by relatives or close family friends instead of entering the foster care system. The report highlighted the benefits of kinship care, such as providing a more stable and familiar environment for children. However, it also pointed out challenges, including financial strain on kinship carers and the need for additional support services. The committee discussed potential measures to support kinship carers, such as financial assistance and access to respite care.

Overview Report

Lastly, the Overview Report provided a summary of ongoing initiatives and upcoming projects related to children and young people in Manchester. The report included updates on various programmes, such as early intervention services and youth engagement activities. The committee noted the importance of maintaining momentum on these initiatives to ensure positive outcomes for the city's young residents.