This inspection was part of a national programme carried out by the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI) to evaluate the effectiveness of council social services for children and families in terms of the provision of family support services, services for looked after children, including those leaving care and child protection. The inspection found a service that was moving in the right direction. Good leadership was in place and staff were positive and committed to delivering an effective service. Relationships with other agencies were generally described positively and inter-agency planning was taking place.
Most services, however were traditionally delivered on a single agency basis and there were difficulties in translating some plans into effective joint services. Further work was needed to improve the quality of assessment and care planning. Positive developments in leadership and organisational changes during 2002-03 indicated that further modernisation of services in Redcar and Cleveland was achievable. Performance management systems and a quality assurance framework had been introduced to support the continuous improvement of services. These were positive developments that needed to be consolidated. The report made 20 recommendations.
Printed copies of this report are available from Commission for Social Care Inspection - North East, Department of Health, St Nicholas Building, St Nicholas Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1NB Tel 0191 233 3300