Issue - meetings

This report outlines the proposed changes to the in-house fostering service which are intended to improve both recruitment of foster carers and the service itself.

The Committee considered a report setting out proposals, following a review by an independent consultant, for a restructuring of the fostering service. The value of good in house foster carers was recognised as important in achieving the best outcome for children in care. A review was also considered necessary as there had been difficulties in reaching the local performance targets for recruitment of new foster carers and in providing excellent support to existing carers. Additionally the number of carers had fallen due to deregistration and retirement of foster carers. Members considered that information was needed as to when and why  carers did not continue.

Details of the proposed new arrangements were discussed. The aim was to have a dedicated team responsible for recruitment. An action plan would be produced to address the issues of working practice, communication and poor environment. It was accepted that the link between the fostering and placement services needed to be strengthened and that there should be better matching and stability for looked after children. The placement service would become responsible for all the steps in the placement process for in house placements. Also the placement service was moving to 40 Cumberland Road. There was to be a change in designation for the head of the service to reflect commissioning responsibilities. Also it was proposed to amalgamate the under and over 11s teams into one team focussed on support, stability and retention of foster carers. There was still a discussion to be had around whether the private fostering service should be located within safeguarding.

There was also to be a review of the advertising for new foster carers to ensure that recruitment was more effective. It was noted that joint advertising with other boroughs was being explored through a North London consortium.

RESOLVED:

·      That a further report be presented in three months on the functioning of the fostering service and on the difference that the restructuring has made.

·      That the structure chart be re-circulated in landscape form.

·      That a report be presented to the next meeting on the advertising campaign, setting out the number of responses, visits, tracking of applications and retention strategies and then a further report be presented in six months in order to assess progress.