1 Summary

The following decisions are sought.

1.1 That the Statement of Purpose be approved.

1.2 That the conclusions of the Annual Inspection and action plan, and the outline proposals for improvements to the Hampshire Fostering service be noted.

1.3 That a report setting out detailed proposals for improvement to Foster Care Services be presented to the Executive Member for Social Care at the next decision day in October 2004.

2 Reason(s)

2.1 In order to comply with Fostering Regulations 2002 and the National Care Standards Act 2000.

2.2 The fostering service's ability to provide a range of different family based care, impacts on the Department's performance in a number of priority areas which are identified in the Delivery and Improvement Statement and the County's Corporate Strategic Aim of Maximising life opportunities, Improving services and Developing Councillors and staff.

3 Other options considered and rejected

3.1 None.

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision-maker or a Member or Officer consulted

4.1 None.

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 Not Applicable

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

Approved by: Date of decision:

Councillor Felicity Hindson