4 days ago
Number of children looked after by Flintshire Council rises
The authority's social and health care overview and scrutiny committee will meet on Thursday to discuss the safeguarding adults and children's annual report.
The document explains that the number of children looked after (CLA) has "previously remained relatively steady" but has been "increasing locally, regionally and nationally."
It adds: " In part, the number has increased due to the number of Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) we are asked to accommodate and support.
"Currently 9.9 per cent of our CLA population are UASC."
At the end of March 2025 there were 270 children being looked after by the council: 67 of whom are placed with Flintshire foster carers and 77 were living with their parents or relatives under 'connected person arrangements'.
The report adds: "Flintshire children are, in the main, located with Flintshire Foster Carers or in the care of a parent or parents under placement with parents regulations.
"However, independent reviewing officers (within Flintshire Council's safeguarding unit) do have cases as far as south Coast of England, north of England and Ireland and they are expected to travel to the placement address to see the child as part of the review process.
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"This does have an impact on available resources.
"Independent reviewing officers hold a number of reviews virtually or face to face meetings and travel across the UK to visit children and young people when required."
Between April 1 last year and March 31 this year, 76 children left care - which can happen for a number of reasons, the report states.
This can be going home to their families, becoming adopted or reaching the age of 18 when they "no longer need to be reviewed under looked after procedures."
However children can receive support and services up to the age of 19 from transition services and young people can also be supported through 'pathway plans' until the age of 24 if needed.
