Agenda item

(To receive a report by John Harris, Children's Services Manager Regulated (North and Fostering), which informs the Panel of the work of the Fostering Service for the year 2019/2020 in accordance with the requirements of the Care Standards Act 2000, Fostering Services 2011 and Fostering National Minimum Standards)

The Panel received a report from the Children's Services Manager, Regulated (North and Fostering), which highlighted the work of the Fostering Service for the year 2019/2020, in accordance with the requirements of the Care Standards Act 2000, Fostering Services 2011 and Fostering National Minimum Standards. The report detailed the role of the Service, the number of foster carers, the numbers who had ceased foster caring, foster care recruitment and retention activities and advertising, the role of Placement Support Workers, and the work and workload of the Foster Panel.

The Panel were provided the opportunity to ask questions to officers present in relation to information contained within the report and some of the points raised during discussion included the following:

·               The Panel acknowledged that recruitment of foster carers had been challenging and the response to adverts had been patchy. It was noted that there had been a recent increase in interest and the Service would be reviewing how it recruited and retained carers from a broader range of the population. Also under review would be the drop-out rates and reasons for these. The conversion rate from expressions of interest to becoming a foster parent was an issue being addressed. The timeframe from an initial expression of interest to fostering was about six months and this had not unduly been affected by Covid-19.

·               The Council had recently invested in a retention payment in recognition of the dedication of carers in supporting the most vulnerable young

people with complex needs coupled with investment in Caring2Learn and bespoke support packages. These measures had been well received. Carers had particularly responded well to the use of on line resources which had been increasingly used since Covid-19.

·               The loss of existing carers continued to be of concern and reflected the demographics of the foster carer population.

·               The reasons for ceasing to be a carer were discussed and often involved relationship breakdown and major life interventions such as health issues.

·               Lincolnshire County Council offered a foster friendly package of support to employees who wanted to become foster carers and this model would be promoted to other Lincolnshire businesses to encourage recruitment. The Panel suggested that the package should be also promoted to NHS organisations.

·               The Panel recognised that there was a need for more carers but were in agreement that standards should not be lowered to achieve this. Many children had complex needs and potential carers should continue to be made aware of the reality of the task they would be undertaking and ensure that it was the right fit for their family. It was important that those enquiring about the Service should be motivated for the right reasons. It was noted that during economic downturns foster caring allowances became more attractive to some. The Panel welcomed the fact that training had been introduced earlier in the recruitment process to help reduce issues further down the line or after take up.

·               Members were re assured that data on the current demand for the service was reviewed regularly and the impact of Covid-19 on the Service, foster families, children in care and, in particular, those who required most support was being monitored and issues addressed. As part of the recruitment process the Panel were re assured that despite the impact of Covid-19, at least one home visit was undertaken.

·               The Panel acknowledged that staff were working in challenging conditions and there had been no discernible decrease in the continuity and standards of service.

RESOLVED

That the report be accepted as an accurate overview of the Fostering Service for 2019/2020 and the comments as outlined above be noted.