Children's Social Care Service Demand Exercise

Description

Introduction Wrexham County Borough Council is seeking a partner to support its efforts to understand demand for Care and Support in Children’s Social Care Services. Since 2018, Wrexham has experienced increases in demand within Children’s Social Care. This is evidenced below: LAC Numbers Internal Fostering External Fostering Residential Placements This increase has occurred concurrently within a period during which the service has been subject to closer monitoring from the regulator, CIW. This has come about due to concerns regarding service quality. Specification Wrexham seeks a partner to consider the following:- 1. Are the increases shown consistent with the demography of Wrexham and not unexpected, given current circumstances? 2. Are thresholds for care and support in Wrexham consistent with national norms? 3. Steps Wrexham can take to support stabilisation of figures and whether external factors will contribute to this. 4. Possible financial implication of any further increases between 2023 and 2027 5. From sectoral knowledge, identify potential opportunities or approaches that the Council could consider that may help to contain service demand/financial pressure, both in the short and longer term. Outcome Wrexham County Borough Council seeks a partner to complete a report on the above areas of no more than 2,500 words, with appendices in addition to this. The report should include a clear executive summary that can be utilised to inform council considerations moving forwards. The maximum budget available for this project is £10,000 and the report must be complete by 6 January 2023.