Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Strategic Director of Children, Families and Adults.

Cath Knowles, Head of Service – Social Care, drew attention to the action plan which had been drafted in response to the recommendations in the Fostering Task and Finish Review. Touching on a few of the main issues, she continued to invite comments from the Committee.

A query was made with regards to the relationship that the Council had with the Cheshire Fostering Association (CFA). It was explained that a number of meetings had been held with the Chair of the CFA last year (2011) and that following this officers had reassured Members that a number of issues were being looked into in the hope these could be resolved. Attention was drawn to a letter that had recently been received which described how Cheshire East no longer recognised the CFA and how this had resulted in the charity ceasing operation. It was stated that this was a concern as it was well documented how important independent advice could be to foster carers.

Lorraine Butcher, Strategic Director of Children, Families and Adults explained that attempts had been made to broker an agreeable way forward, to the extent of the Lord Lieutenant becoming involved in negotiations. Moving forward, there was a continued commitment by the Council to look for a service to provide independent advice and that this would formally go out to the market for tender. It was noted that the CFA could make a bid should they wish to do so and that this would be considered in line with the Council tender and procurement procedures. In conclusion, Cath Knowles stated that there was an independent advice service available to foster carers and that support groups had also been established (as a result of a Task Group recommendation) to much success.

With regard to point 3.32 in appendix 1, it was queried what impact the newly enacted welfare reforms and in particular expectations around shared accommodation, would have on care leavers. Cath Knowles confirmed that this was something that a 16 plus working group was looking at and the recommendations from this group would be fed into the Children’s service senior management team.

Attention was drawn to point 3.31 in appendix 1. It was queried whether or not the Council was planning to proceed with the replacement of the current electronic recording system. Lorraine Butcher confirmed that the Council was going ahead with the replacement and that this would be funded by a £6 million investment from the Children and Adults Directorates. She continued to explain that as this was a complex process, it was likely that the replacement would only be fully realised in 18 months time.

A number of points were made with relation to issues that had come to light following experience of participating on the fostering panel.

·         It was stated that respite foster carers often mention that they find it difficult to access a computer so that the child can use it when in their care. It was suggested that the Council look to provide such  ...  view the full minutes text for item 142