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There is no summary of this meeting yet. Summaries are written once the council publishes the minutes, which are its official record of what a meeting decided. They usually appear a few weeks after the meeting.
No apologies were received.
The following declarations were made: Cllr D Hughes – Personal interest relating -Agenda Item 5 in relation to questions on SGOs due to being a Special Guardian. Cllr L Minnet-Vokes – Personal interest relating -Agenda Item 6 in relation to questions on the third sector due to working in the third sector.
There were no outstanding actions from the previous meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 24 March 2026 were agreed as a correct record.
The Cabinet Member introduced the report. In response to questions from the committee members, offices confirmed: · A report on Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs) has recently been presented to Scrutiny. SGOs are actively promoted and have contributed to a reduction in the number of Children Looked After. · The Safeguarding Board’s primary priority is the protection of children and adults. Key priorities are informed by performance data, safeguarding audits, and practice reviews, with a continued emphasis on prevention. · Attendance at the Safeguarding Reference Group has improved, with key service areas now consistently represented. Membership is also subject to regular review. · There is strong multi-agency representation on the Regional Safeguarding Board. Where appropriate, some services operate rotational attendance arrangements while maintaining active engagement. · Pre-birth safeguarding cases are not placed on the Child Protection Register; however, they are monitored through comprehensive safeguarding procedures, including conferences and multi-agency meetings held prior to birth. · Officers confirmed a typographical error in section 5.9. The corrected figures are as follows: previously, 34 SGOs were granted—Q1 (30 June 2024) = 9; Q2 (30 September 2024) = 8; Q3 (31 December 2024) = 10; Q4 (31 March 2025) = 7. · Safeguarding audits are undertaken in accordance with the Quality Assurance Framework, using both thematic and sample-based approaches at local and regional levels to support learning and service improvement. Members added value through their constructive challenge and questioning. They commented that the report was comprehensive and thanked officers for both the report and their responses. Members expressed confidence in the safeguarding arrangements.
The Cabinet Member introduced the report. In response to questions from the committee members, offices confirmed: · All individuals subject to the Mental Health Measure must have an allocated Care Coordinator. Approximately 163 individuals are currently supported in this way. · Individuals discharged from secondary mental health services receive written information outlining their rights and re?access options, including rapid reassessment pathways and access via a dedicated telephone line. · A single point of access operates via the Community Mental Health Team, incorporating a duty officer system and triage processes to the relevant teams. · Health and social care providers use a shared system (WCCIS), supported by agreed consent and information?sharing protocols. · Regional partnership working has improved significantly through enhanced integration. · Dual diagnosis cases are managed with an assessment focus on mental health needs within statutory frameworks, with consideration given to least restrictive interventions. · Support for people with dementia is provided through a multi?disciplinary approach to ensure appropriate care packages or residential placements. Carer assessments are also undertaken where applicable. · Key third sector organisations include Mind, Mental Health Matters, and Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil. · Partnership working with CAMHS has strengthened in recent years, supported by the introduction of a complex needs panel and improved understanding of roles, leading to more effective referrals. · CAMHS staff will be based within the Early Help Hub to support signposting to appropriate services. · Court of Protection work has increased, and processes are often lengthy. This is expected to continue due to the growing complexity of cases. · When referrals are made under the Mental Health Act, an assessment is undertaken. The most common route is via Section 2, which allows for up to 28 days’ detention for assessment Members provided constructive challenge and thanked officers for the report and the comprehensive responses provided. Members noted the positive progress in integrated working, emphasised the importance of early intervention, and highlighted the need for a continued awareness?raising strategy to ensure people can access available mental health services.
Members noted that the current scrutiny cycle had concluded and that the 2026/27 Forward Work Programme would be developed following confirmation of membership and committee dates at the Annual General Meeting.
There were no referrals for consideration.
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Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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