The committee took evidence from Welsh Government ministers and officials on the pandemic’s impact on children and young people. They said children were generally less likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19, though their role in transmission remained uncertain. Paediatric critical care capacity had been expanded, and ministers urged families to continue using health services and routine vaccinations.

Mental health and safeguarding were central concerns. The Government said it was still assessing the pandemic’s effects, had commissioned a review of unexpected deaths to examine whether youth suicide had increased, and was maintaining crisis and other mental health services. Officials reported reduced safeguarding referrals and limited contact with some vulnerable children, while expanding the definition of vulnerability and encouraging attendance at schools and childcare settings.

The committee also discussed support for looked-after children, foster carers and care leavers, including access to technology. Ministers reported close monitoring of children’s services and few placement disruptions. They said children’s social care requirements had not been relaxed, though assessments and contact were sometimes conducted differently, and an online survey would seek children’s views.

On childcare, ministers acknowledged that some providers were falling through gaps in financial support and said they were exploring a tailored scheme. They also described free childcare for eligible critical workers and vulnerable children. Finally, the committee discussed third-sector and hospice funding, family courts and child arrangement orders before moving into private session.