Agenda item

This report provides an update on progress against the recommendations in the audit report of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks in the Fostering service.

Discussion:

The Head of Fostering Service introduced a report which provided an update on progress against the recommendations in the audit report of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks in the Fostering service. This followed a report to the Audit Committee in January 2015 on this matter where Members had requested a progress report (see minute no. 660).

The Committee were advised that the Council would be moving to an electronic DBS checking system, possibly in April 2016. Once clarification was obtained as to when this new corporate system would be introduced a decision would be taken whether the Fostering Service should move to an interim electronic DBS checking system prior to using the corporate system. Members were assured that it would be relatively straightforward to transfer information to the new corporate system from the interim system, should that option be chosen.  An electronic DBS checking system would reduce waiting times with over 50% of standard disclosures results received within 24 hours and on average all disclosure results received in less than 5 days. A Member pointed out that a moratorium on new ICT systems was imminent although in exceptional circumstances new systems would be allowed.

Members discussed the statistics in the report showing progress with DBS checks in relation to lead carers, secondary carers and support networks. A Member expressed some concern at the numbers involved and asked if comparative information with other similar councils could be provided as if a similar picture was shown then this would give some assurance. Another Member felt the focus should be on the situation in Medway and pointed out 65 people appeared to have no DBS checks. However the report did not distinguish between those who did not appear to have a current DBS check as opposed to being in the process of being checked and he felt it would be helpful if these figures were disaggregated. It was queried how long a foster carer without a DBS check would be allowed to continue as a carer.

Members welcomed the fact that spot checks on carers’ DBS checks were being carried out and asked what numbers were involved. The Head of Fostering Service replied that she did not have the figures but would expect to see at least 10% checked. Members asked for a briefing note on this. She added that she did not have any comparative information but could try to obtain it. The aim of the service was to have 100% compliance. Where people did not have a DBS check this was usually due to administrative issues and to be reassured that children were safe, Police National Computer checks were completed for those carers with a DBS showing as outstanding. It could take up to three months for DBS checks to be returned but there were protocols in place so delays could be escalated and not all checks took up to three months.  In response to a question about the possibility of real time checking she advised this was not possible as the IT systems of the various agencies involved did not talk to each other.

Members expressed concern that DBS checks could be taking up to three months and commented this had implications not just for recruiting and retaining good foster carers but also teachers. It was suggested that a letter be sent to DBS Services giving examples of where this had happened and asking for an explanation and what was being done to address the situation.

Decision:

The Committee agreed to:

a)        note the progress made in verifying DBS checks for foster carers, family members and regular visitors.

b)        ask the Monitoring Officer to write to DBS Services expressing concern that it can take up to three months to process a DBS check, giving examples of such occasions and asking what was being done to address these situations.

c)         ask for a briefing note on how spot checks on carers’ DBS checks operated, including the numbers involved, and also a further briefing note in 6 months time on progress generally.