The Head of Fostering and Adoption introduced a report that outlined  revision to the fees and allowances for the placement of looked after children with council foster carers and independent foster agency placements.  The report detailed the drive to provide more in-house foster carers, whilst recognising the need to retain agency foster carers who provided specialist clinical care and occasional ‘out of area’ care when required. 

In light of the report and clarification sought, Members of the Committee raised the following queries:-

·         The need to ensure that the two tiered payment structure was professionally set out, subject to the usual safeguards being put in place.

·         The need to clearly explain the rationale for sourcing in-house foster carers and Independent Foster Agencies (IFA).

·         Whether the proposed spend of an additional £300k would achieve the target of 50% of in-house foster carers rather than appointing an additional 15.  In response the Head of Fostering and Adoption advised that fees paid to carers was one element of consideration and fostered children would not be moved in order to save money if they were thriving in their placement.  We need to ensure there are sufficient placements to meet the wide range of children’s needs which will not all be met by in house foster carers.

·         Whether the IFA would be forced to increase their fees to retain their staff and maintain their position in the market place following the Council’s action.  The Head of Service reassured members that a Framework Agreement was in place with Bedford Borough and Luton local authorities to manage the local market.

RECOMMENDED

1.    That the Executive Member take the concerns of the Committee on board as outlined above. 

2.    The Committee note the revised scheme.