The committee heard evidence from Welsh Government ministers and officials on the pandemic’s effects on children and young people. They said children were generally less likely to become seriously ill with COVID-19, though their role in transmission remained uncertain. Paediatric critical care had surge capacity, and ministers said decisions on reopening schools would need to consider the effect on transmission and capacity.

Members discussed reduced engagement with health services, including an initial drop in routine vaccinations that was beginning to recover. Ministers said the full mental health impact was not yet known, but children’s well-being would be a priority in recovery planning. CAMHS and seven-day crisis care remained available, remote support had expanded, and a review of unexpected deaths had been commissioned to investigate a possible rise in suicide. Perinatal mental health services also continued, although work on planned inpatient provision had been interrupted.

On safeguarding, officials described concern about a fall in referrals and difficulty reaching vulnerable children. They reported efforts to encourage attendance at schools and childcare settings, maintain health visiting and social work contact, and expand the definition of vulnerable children. Local authorities were assessing cases individually; officials reported minimal placement breakdowns and no significant increase in the number of looked-after children. Members also discussed support for foster carers, care leavers, young carers and children needing technology to stay in contact with services.

Ministers outlined funding for third-sector organisations and said around £1.5 million of the £6.3 million hospice allocation had gone to children’s hospices. They acknowledged gaps in financial support for childcare providers and said they were exploring a tailored scheme; free childcare was available for critical workers and vulnerable children. Officials also discussed children’s rights assessments, a planned survey of children, and the move to virtual family court hearings. The meeting ended with the committee agreeing to continue in private and noting the transition from the National Assembly for Wales to the Senedd.