The Director of Children’s Services will present a report (Document “F”) that provides an update on the progress of the fostering service noting the positive direction of travel.

Recommended -

That progress on the implementation of the action plan for the Fostering Service be noted.

(Jim Hopkinson – 01274 432904)

The Director of Children’s Services presented a report (Document “F”) that provided an update on the progress of the fostering service noting the positive direction of travel.  He highlighted the improved relationship between the authority and foster carers since the beginning of the year.  Support to foster carer had improved.  Recruitment had improved with 49 new foster households since April 2017.

It was noted that only one foster carer had resigned as a result of the changes to fees and allowances and they had moved to an agency so the child had remained in the placement.  There was a national move out of the foster service as foster carers got older but no sharp increase was being observed.  There had been a significant increase in the number of enquiries of 37% over the same period in the previous year.

In response to a member question about the rate of conversion from enquires to registration being significantly below the national average it was noted that this was being addressed.

A co-opted member noted that 31 of the 39 new fostering households that had been approved since April 2017 were connected persons and only 5 were new mainstream  carers, however it was pointed out that a number of connected persons did go on to become mainstream carers.

In response to a member question, the Strategic Director advised that 302 Social Guardianship households were being supported.  He pointed out however, that as these were private orders there were children with Special Guardianship Orders with whom the Council had no involvement.  He added that 50 cases were being looked at that may break down and the child may  have to come back into the care system.  He added that a lot of work was being undertaken to ensure that the orders did not break down.  He stated that changes to the allowances would not be a barrier to Connected Persons becoming Special Guardians for financial reasons.

In response to a member question about the ethnicity of foster carers it was reported that 79% were white, 15 % Asian, 3% black and 3% mixed heritage.  The number of Asian children in foster care was lower than the general population and the number of Eastern European children was higher than the general population. The Council was working with the Mercy Mission Charity to assist in sorting through enquires which it was anticipated could help to increase the number of Asian heritage Foster Carers.

It was reported that the Fostering Carter and Handbook launch on 14 September 2017 had been attended by 70 foster carers and had been a very positive event with a number of stalls including BAFFA, GNB and Foster Care Associates.

In response to a member question it was reported that 83% of Foster Carers were up to date with their annual review. 50 foster Carers had not had a review, 11 of whom were not actively fostering which meant that 86% of active foster carers were up to date with their annual review.

Resolved -

That the improvement in enrolment and training of foster carers be welcomed and that an update be presented to the Committee in six months.

ACTION: Director of Children’s Services