Issue - meetings

(CPP: 2 / CPT: 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14)

Purpose:  Statutory requirement to annually review the fostering statement of purpose and to report on the work of the fostering service.

Resolved that the Statement of Purpose for the West Berkshire Fostering Service be agreed and that the work of the Fostering Service be noted in its Annual Report.

This decision is eligible to be ‘called-in’.  However, if the decision has not been ‘called-in’ by 5.00pm on29 July 2011, then it will be implemented.

The Executive considered a report (Agenda Item 11) concerning the Annual Report of the West Berkshire Fostering Service and West Berkshire Fostering Service Statement of Purpose.

Councillor Irene Neill advised that the Fostering Service also had a statutory duty to report on the work of the service to elected Members on an annual basis and to agree a Statement of Purpose. The Fostering Service was last inspected by Ofsted in March 2008 and was then rated as outstanding. A further inspection of the service would be due at any time.

Councillor Neill reported that in March 2011 there were 62 approved fostering households able to provide up to 108 placements. This included short and long term placements, short breaks care and placements with relatives. 

Councillor Neill advised that the number of children requiring placement continued to increase which put a considerable amount of pressure on the service and on current placements. The recruitment of new Foster Carers therefore continued to be a priority with active advertising in the local media and a particular focus had been on recruiting Foster Carers who would be willing to take on teenagers and disabled children.

The West Berkshire Foster Care Association met monthly and was active in organising events such as an evening for new Foster Carers, coffee mornings, involvement in recruitment events and training. Representatives would meet with Senior Officers every two months to discuss any issues and to work together to develop services and support for Foster Carers. The Family Placement Team also offered support to the children of Foster Carers through a well attended Carers of Tomorrow Group.

Councillor Neill advised that the Fostering Service continued to perform exceptionally well against national indicators.

Councillor Alan Macro also commended the service and the Foster Carers throughout West Berkshire.  

RESOLVED that the Statement of Purpose and Annual Report be agreed.

Reason for the decision: To comply with the Care Standards Act 2000 and the National Minimum Standards for Local Authority Adoption Services 2003. The department has a statutory responsibility to report on the work of the fostering service to Elected Members on an annual basis and also to agree an annual Statement of Purpose for the service.

Other options considered: None.