THURROCK Conservatives do not feel that councillor in charge of childrens services has answered a number of vital questions they put to her.
The portfolio holder for childrens services,, cllr Bukky Okunade was presenting her annual report to the council.
For several minutes, cllr Okunade simply read from the report but there followed a number of questions from cllrs Sue Little and Sue McPherson plus cllr James Halden. But as you can see from our film( seven mins onwards) there is a question as to whether the councillor was totally in charge of her brief.
Afterwards,, we spoke to Cllr Little. She said: "I did not feel I received a straight answer, nor did cllrs McPherson and Halden.
"These are very important matters but I do wonder if cllr Okunade had all the facts at her fingertips."
Here is an overview of what cllr Okunade said in her initial report.
She said: “This portfolio can be very emotional. At times it is wonderful seeing the work our teams do to help young people and their families, but you also get to see the depths of depravity too and Child Sexual Exploitation continues to present challenges to agencies locally and nationally.
“Thurrock’s Local Safeguarding Children’s Board has led on the development of a Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Group and a Multi-Agency Sexual Exploitation panel. Together with the Southend and Essex and Thurrock Child Exploitation Group, these three are leading on the development of operational and strategic approaches to tackling this scourge.”
Cllr Okunade went on to say how the council “in partnership with schools” works with the LSCB as it offers the ‘walk online’ programme promoting online safety and tackling online exploitation and grooming.
The number of children “looked after” by the council has reduced – something she welcomed – explained: “We endeavour to continue supporting children remaining, safely, within their own families.”
But she said: “Sadly, there are times when this isn’t possible and we must ensure children and young people have a range of high quality placements available to promote their needs and welfare.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our foster carers for their dedication and encourage anyone interested in fostering to become a Thurrock foster carer – look online.
“I am also delighted with our recent agreement to enter into partnership with the Coram charity to enhance our recruitment of adopters, speeding up processes and offering a wider opportunity for our children and this must include opportunities when they are ready to leave our care – we must continue the support and guidance available to them into the future … just like real parents.
“That’s why I am keen to see a further expansion and publicity of Staying Put arrangements that allow young people to remain in their foster placements after they reach 18.”
