The committee questioned Welsh Government ministers and officials about the pandemic’s effects on children and young people in Wales. Ministers said children were generally less likely to become seriously ill with COVID-19, though their role in transmission was still uncertain. Paediatric critical care capacity had been expanded, and the government would keep it under review as it considered reopening schools.

Members raised concerns about families avoiding healthcare. Officials said health visiting and routine vaccinations continued, with vaccination attendance improving after an initial fall. The government acknowledged that the full mental health impact on children was not yet understood, but said mental health recovery was a priority. CAMHS and seven-day crisis services remained available, and a review of unexpected deaths had been commissioned to investigate whether suicide had increased. Perinatal mental health services also continued, although the timetable for planned inpatient provision was uncertain.

On safeguarding, ministers reported an initial fall in referrals and low attendance by vulnerable children at schools and childcare settings. They said local authorities were maintaining contact according to each child’s needs, and an expanded definition of vulnerability would give authorities more flexibility to offer places. Officials reported no significant increase in the number of looked-after children and few placement breakdowns. Children’s social care legal requirements had not been relaxed, although assessments and contacts were sometimes conducted differently.

The committee also discussed third-sector support, foster care and children’s rights. About £1.5 million of £6.3 million in hospice funding had gone to two children’s hospices. Ministers said normal children’s rights impact assessments had been difficult to complete during the emergency and announced an online survey to hear children’s views.

Finally, members pressed the government on childcare providers falling outside available financial support. Ministers said they were exploring a tailored solution, with around half of settings temporarily closed, while free childcare for critical workers and vulnerable children was expanding. Family court hearings were largely taking place remotely, with more complex cases postponed. The meeting closed with the chair noting that these were the National Assembly for Wales’s last formal proceedings before it became the Senedd.