Issue - meetings

The report provides information on the process and factors considered for placing children in care outside the borough.

The committee received a report on the procedure and factors considered for placing looked after children in out of borough provisions. The committee learned that the needs of the child are assessed by the social worker and referral made to the placements team accordingly. Initially an in borough placement will be sought however if insufficient placements are available an out of borough placement will be investigated, with the school and contact with the Local Authority, a priority, as part of this search.

The committee noted the criteria commonly referred to when an out of borough placement is a priority.  Further positive reasons for placing children in out of borough placements were also set out in the report. This included providing a close ethnically matched family which was important for meeting the cultural needs of the child.  The Council were recognised and commended for adherence to this policy. The committee were assured that this policy did not add delays to the placement process but was part of how the needs of a child were assessed.

RESOLVED

That the committee note the report.