Published on:
02
October 2012
A special meeting of Clackmannanshire Council will take place next week to update all Councillors and the public on the outcome of the comprehensive cross-stakeholder investigations carried out into Social Services, in particular the provision of services for looked-after children.
The special meeting has been called by the Administration and follows a previous Special Meeting in December 2011 to report on the Sheriff's Note and the subsequent independent review findings reported to a second Special Meeting of Council in June 2012.
Council Leader Gary Womersley said: "This Administration intends to ensure that the childcare service is fit for purpose and that no stone is left unturned in seeking to identify and address the failings identified previously at Special Meetings of Council. There have been significant investigations into the issues raised by both the Sheriff in his Note and subsequently by independent expert Addie Stevenson. In order to seek to address the full extent of the identified failings a whole root and branch exercise, involving engagement with the Scottish Government and Care Inspectorate, has been undertaken and I very much look forward to the issues identified being reported to Council next week. Both Councillors and the public deserve to know the true extent of the issues faced."
Councillor Les Sharp, Housing, Health & Care Convenor, added: "Extensive efforts to investigate and identify the true extent and causes of the failings have taken place since being reported to Council in June. We are committed to carrying out due diligence and due process in order that the strongest foundation possible can be laid in respect of any potential disciplinary, corrective or remedial actions required. Solutions will be proactive and sustainable to ensure whatever action taken is robust, thought-out and ultimately correct. I see the Special Meeting of Council next week as a key part of that greater exercise."
The Council is pleased to have worked with experts from the Centre for Looked After Children in Scotland, the Scottish Government and the Care Inspectorate, all of whom are offering specialist support to assist the Council as it works to find solutions.