The Children and Young People's Overview and Scrutiny Committee of County Durham Council was scheduled to discuss the financial outturn for Children and Young People's Services for the third quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year, alongside performance management reports for the same period. A significant portion of the meeting was also dedicated to reviewing the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children and young people in County Durham.

Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services in County Durham

The committee was scheduled to receive a presentation on Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in County Durham. This presentation, delivered by the General Manager of Children and Young People's Services for County Durham and Tees Valley, was expected to cover the provision of CAMHS and related services. The report pack indicated that this would be followed by a separate presentation focusing on the broader aspects of children and young people's mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Children and Young People's Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing

A report from the Corporate Director of Adult and Health Services and a presentation by the Public Health Strategic Manager were scheduled to address the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children and young people in County Durham. The report highlighted that improving mental health, wellbeing, and resilience is a priority for the Health and Wellbeing Board, as outlined in the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The presentation was expected to detail interventions and services available across County Durham, operating within the i-THRIVE framework, which categorises support into thriving, getting advice, and getting help. The report also noted that further details on getting more help and getting risk support would be covered in the CAMHS presentation. The committee was recommended to receive this presentation and provide feedback on the support available and its communication.

Quarter Three 2025/2026 Forecast of Revenue and Capital Outturn

The committee was set to review the financial position of Children and Young People's Services (CYPS) for the third quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year. A report from the Corporate Director of Resources indicated a projected revenue outturn of an £8.136 million overspend, representing 3.6% of the revised annual budget. This overspend was primarily attributed to an £11.599 million overspend against the Children's Social Care budget, partially offset by underspends in other areas, including Home to School Transport. The report detailed significant pressures within Children in Care (CiC) placements, with an increase in the number of CiC, particularly in family-based placements. Capital expenditure for the period was also to be reviewed. The committee was recommended to note the overall revenue position.

Quarter Three 2025/2026 Performance Management

A report from the Chief Executive was scheduled to provide an update on progress towards the strategic ambitions and objectives set out in the Council Plan 2025-2030. The report, based on data available as of 31 December 2025, was to present Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) through dashboards focusing on trends, direction of travel, benchmarking, and performance against targets. Key messages were to be aligned with the council's strategic ambitions, categorised as going well and issues we are addressing. For the Supercharging Our Economy ambition, the report was expected to highlight that while apprenticeship uptake and young people in education, employment, or training (EET) were performing well, the proportion of children achieving a good level of development in Early Years and at Key Stage 2 in reading, writing, and maths were below national and regional benchmarks. Under the Caring For Our People ambition, the report was to note positive performance in the timeliness of children's social care assessments and increasing registrations at Family Hubs, while also addressing high demand in statutory children's social care, increasing numbers of children on child protection plans, and a rise in older children entering care with complex needs. The committee was recommended to note the overall position and direction of travel and the actions being taken to address areas of challenge.