Dumfries and Galloway Council (25 June 2015) will hear that a team of inspectors from the Care Inspectorate, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland delivered extremely positive feedback on progress made on services for children and young people in Dumfries and Galloway.
The team focused on the 5 priority areas for improvement identified in a report in April 2014 and encourages the partners to maintain the momentum for change and to continue prioritising the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children and young people.
Council Leader, Ronnie Nicholson, said, “Providing the best start in life for all our children and protecting our most vulnerable people are priorities for our Council. So, I’m delighted with the findings of the follow up inspection and welcome the positive feedback received. The recognition of strong leadership and positive progress in Social Work services is particularly encouraging. Our elected members are, of course, aware that there is still a long way to go and I recognise the significant challenge to maintain the momentum to achieve the change needed and raise the standards of practice in Social Work Services. We’re confident that the progress we’ve provides us with the foundation to ensure a positive impact on the experience for children in Dumfries and Galloway.”
Colin Grant, chairman of the Children’s Services Executive Group, said, “Were all clear that we have much work still to do in order to deliver the best outcomes for all of our children. Nonetheless, this report reflects a major turnaround and I believe that frontline staff should be encouraged. There is a strong commitment to continue to develop our joint working and build on the effective improvement plan that was led by Patrick Shearer. The collaborative approach across our agencies needs now to ensure that children and families feel the impact of positive change.”
Jeff Ace, Chief Executive of NHS Dumfries and Galloway, said: “I’m pleased to note that the inspectors recognise the hard work that staff have undertaken to address the serious issues raised in Aril 2014. This inspection highlighted a number of areas for improvement and we’ve worked closely with Council colleagues to make sure we take joint action to protect vulnerable young people.”
