Positive report on Renfrewshire Children’s Services Partnership published

Renfrewshire have been given a positive grade for the services provided to children and young people at risk of harm and their families.

The Care Inspectorate gave a Very Good grade in its joint inspection on services provided by the Renfrewshire Children’s Services Partnership, made up of Renfrewshire Council’s Children’s Services, Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership, Police Scotland, Scottish Children’s Reporter Association, Children’s Hearing System, and third sector organisations.

A group of young people were involved in the inspection, helping to assess Renfrewshire’s services and the support they provide children, young people and families.

The inspection report highlighted how services listened to children, young people and families, ensuring their voices were heard at every stage and making them feel confident their views mattered.

The close working relationships between organisations, the strength of leadership, and the multi-agency approach taken were stated to have resulted in early intervention for children, young people and families.

The positive and nurturing relationships staff have with families was confirmed as a key strength, as well as the collaborative culture between staff, managers and leaders.

It also recognised the Council’s commitment to Keeping The Promise to care-experienced children, young people and families and that its advocacy service were long-established.

Street Stuff were highlighted for the positive difference made to young people at risk of harm in their communities.

The Council’s Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children team were also highlighted for their vigilance in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of young people at risk of exploitation.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “The services provided by organisations in the Renfrewshire Children’s Services Partnership support the most vulnerable children and young people to help them grow up safe, loved and respected.

“We want to ensure all our children and young people get the opportunity to thrive and I know our teams do their utmost to ensure children and young people are supported. They listen to them, letting them feel confident their views matter, and I’m pleased to see this positive feedback in the report.

“This inspection involved staff, young people and families across Renfrewshire and I want to thank everyone who took part in and supported this inspection.”

The report noted new developments in mental health resources for children, young people and families as positive, acknowledging the introduction of a new CAMHS/Education liaison officer and the launch of the Family Wellbeing service and how they build on existing support like REN10 and other wellbeing resources. Inspectors suggested further work on mental health resources should be developed to make sure mental health resources are more readily available to those who need them.

Inspectors also noted there was a wealth of data collected by the service but suggested further analysis of that data could help identify impacts on children at risk of harm.

Both areas of improvement will be taken forward in service plans.

Residents can read the full Joint Inspection report on the Care Inspectorate’s website.