Contact: John Clifton ext: 5865

PURPOSE

1 To establish a `task and finish' sub-group to report back to the Policy Review Committee in March 2004 in order to make policy recommendations to the Executive Member on children's issues.

2 There is a need to review the arrangements for the care of looked after children.

3 The sub-group will work with officers of the County Council and will consider national and international experience and expertise.

4 Whilst there is no requirement as regards proportionality, it is suggested that it would be advisable, nonetheless, to be guided by the principle; accordingly a 4 : 2 : 1 basis is proposed.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Social Care Policy Review Committee establishes a sub-group to make policy recommendations to the Policy Review Committee by March 2004 on the care of looked after children, with representation as follows (nominations required):

· 4 Conservatives

· 2 Liberal Democrats

· 1 Labour

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - Background Documents

The Following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1. Published works

2. Documents which disclose exempt of confidential information as defined in the Act.