Issue - meetings

The purpose of this report is to inform the Executive about the work undertaken by the Fostering Service between April 2011 and March 2012. The format and headings for the report are as set out in Fostering Regulation 2011. The report provides the Executive with information on the service offered to foster carers and outcomes for children including compliance with the National Minimum Standards. The report also updates Executive on the activity of the Fostering Panel and work undertaken to improve the recruitment and retention of foster carers.

(i)         to note the contents of both the Fostering Service Annual Report and Regulation 35 Report;

(ii)        to approve the Fostering Service Statement of Purpose.

Councillor Arnold (Lead Member, Children and Families) introduced the report which informed the Executive of the work undertaken by the Fostering Service between April 2011 and March 2012.  The report provided the Executive with information on the service offered to foster carers and outcomes for children including compliance with the National Minimum Standards. The report also gave an update on the activity of the Fostering Panel and work undertaken to improve the recruitment and retention of foster carers. Councillor Arnold highlighted the improvements to the service which had been significant including the increase in the number of foster carers, reduced expenditure on external fostering provision and focus on improving fostering provision. Councillor Arnold also referred to the statement of purpose which was before the Executive for approval.

RESOLVED:-

(i)         that the contents of both the Fostering Service Annual Report and Regulation 35 Report be noted;

(ii)        that approval be given to the Fostering Service Statement of Purpose 2012-13 appended to the report from the Director of Children and Families.