To consider a report outlining activity in the fostering service during Quarter Four.

The Panel received a report by the Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Children’s Services which outlined activity in the Fostering Service during Quarter Four (January to March 2014).  Members noted that it had not proved possible to provide the usual comparison to previous quarters because the joint service arrangement with Bedford Borough Council had ended on 31 December 2013 and the data previously reported to the Panel was based on a shared service.

The report contained updates on the following areas:

·         Background

·         Recruitment of Foster Carers

·         Training for Foster Carers

·         Ending of the Shared Service Arrangement

·         Plans for the Next Financial Year

The Panel Professional Advisor introduced the report drawing Members’ attention in particular to the growth in recruitment enquiries following the rebranding exercise and recruitment strategy, and the provision of training for foster carers.

In response to a Member’s query regarding the introduction of a fees scheme for foster carers the Panel Professional Advisor explained that the scheme involved a payment to foster carers which was, in effect, a financial reward to the carer, and not intended to contribute towards the cost of caring for a child.  It was envisaged that the payment of the fee would help the service become more competitive with both neighbouring authorities and Independent Fostering Agencies (IFA’s) and enable people who couldn’t, at present, afford to foster to consider doing so.  The meeting noted that initial feedback indicated that the scheme was proving successful and had contributed towards the significant increase in enquiries over the last few months. The Assistant Director Children’s Services Operations added that the scheme was similar to those already in place in neighbouring local authorities.

The Member then sought clarification regarding the Fostering Service’s relocation to Stephenson Court following the disaggregation process.  In response the Head of Corporate Parenting explained that Stephenson Court lay within Bedford Borough Council’s boundaries but the lease for the property was longstanding and it remained in Central Bedfordshire’s interest to continue to use it.  Comment was passed that the property was located close to the boundary with Central Bedfordshire and that many of that Council’s foster carers actually lived in Bedford.  Nonetheless the Member reminded the meeting of the principle that all Central Bedfordshire Council staff should be based within Central Bedfordshire.

Discussion then took place on whether the new methods of working introduced under the MySpace project had resulted in a negative impact on the operational efficiency of some Fostering Service staff.  In response the Assistant Director Children’s Services Operations acknowledged that the new ways of working could be challenging for staff but he stressed that the service was being monitored during this time of transition.  The Assistant Director then offered to update the Panel on how staff were adapting to the new working methods and this was welcomed by Members.

With regard to the provision of training the Vice-Chairman referred to the apparent difficulties experienced by some foster carers to complete their training, support and development (TSD) standards.  In response the Assistant Director Children’s Services Operations explained the various reasons why some foster carers found it difficult to complete their TSD standards and set out the alternative learning methods available to them.  He also referred to the additional support that was being put in place to help the foster carers.

NOTED

the content of the Quarter Four report on the Fostering Service for the period January to March 2014.

RESOLVED

that the Assistant Director Children’s Services Operations update the next meeting of the Corporate Parenting Panel on how staff in the Fostering Service were adapting to the new ways of working introduced under the MySpace project.