Some miss out (From Penarth Times)

Some miss out

VULNERABLE Penarth children are still missing out on crucial protection services, according to the latest report on the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

The chief inspector of Social Services in Wales has criticised the authority's children's services department, warning: "children are not well serviced at present".

The report is of an inspection, carried out in May 2001, and follows a condemning report published in September 2000.

More positively it states: "The prospects are still uncertain but the council is beginning to deliver on a plan of action."

However, it adds that although the council has been working hard to provide good services to protect youngsters at risk of harm, this has not been done consistently enough.

One of the key issues highlighted is the difficulty in recruiting enough social workers who have the skills and experience needed.

Chief Social Services inspector Graham Williams said: "The Vale of Glamorgan has started to deliver on the programme but from a relatively poor position. It will be a long process and progress has to be made on many fronts."

The council must now maintain consistent leadership to drive forward its action plan, engage staff in the improvement agenda and develop scrutiny of key service areas, such as child protection.

A council spokesman said: "Effective supervision arrangements are in place to ensure all children's services staff work to clearly defined objectives and are encouraged to bring forward their views and any concerns at an early stage.

"Management structures have been revised to ensure stronger, more effective leadership. Morale amongst staff is now much improved."

Additionally, an Area Child Protection Committee is ensuring child protection services are integrated and cohesive.

Jane Hutt, Assembly Health and Social Services Minister, said:

"I will ensure that progress in this area of work continues to be monitored regularly."