REPORT OF THE

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

SOCIAL CARE

PART II

FAMILY PLACEMENT INVESTMENT PLAN

1. In order to increase the number and choice of foster placements, and improve placement choice for children who are looked after, thus enhancing stability of placement the Executive Member was pleased to approve the introduction of six pilot schemes.

2. The pilot schemes are:-

¬ The establishment of ten foster carers on a "professional salary" which complements the current skill fee scheme, targeting:-


· Specific children who are "hard to place" and would otherwise need to be placed with an independent fostering agency


· Children currently in non-county residential placements or independent fostering agencies, who would have their needs better met by being placed in Hampshire, in family based care


¬ To formalise the existing "emergency payment for out of hours placements" paid to foster carers


¬ To introduce a "recruitment incentive bonus" payable to any existing foster carer who successfully introduces a new foster carer to the County.


¬ The re-designation of three social work posts from other teams in the County to enhance the fostering recruitment team - this will mean that prospective foster carers can be recruited, approved and trained as efficiently as possible without delay.


¬ The development of a specific `Out of Hours' support service for foster carers, initially by using existing staff but with a view to recruiting additional staff to work at evenings and over weekends who would visit, advise and offer practical support to both new and experienced foster carers. This would increase foster carers' confidence to take children who might otherwise be perceived as very challenging, and be at risk of being placed outside of Hampshire.

¬ To recruit experienced foster carers as `Foster Care Support Workers', building on an already successful strategy of using the experience and skills of current, practising foster carers who act as mentors and advisers to their peers. This kind of support is highly valued by foster carers, as well as offering an opportunity to existing foster carers to develop their skills and experience by becoming employees of the Social Services Department.

3. The options support aims 1 and 5 of the corporate strategy.

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