Contact: Sue Kocaman. 01962 847263 [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought. That the Executive Member:

1.2 Notes the progress made in the initial developments of the Hampshire fostering service investment plan.

1.3 Notes that decisions will need to be taken once the context of the 2006/07 budget and full outcome of the pilots are known, to determine to what extent to realign existing budgets in order to prioritise investment in the fostering service, to the level of £1.310 million additional expenditure.

1.4 Supports in principle the proposals for subsequent phased investment in the fostering service, as detailed in Option two.

2 Reason(s)

2.1 This Decision supports Aims one, four and five of the Corporate Strategy.

2.1.1 Maximising life opportunities for children who are looked after by increasing the number and choice of family placements in Hampshire. This in turn increases placement choice, leading to greater stability and better outcomes for children who are looked after.

2.1.2 Building strong and safe communities by enabling children who are looked after to remain in their local community and to fully participate in and contribute to the life of the community.

2.1.3 Improving services by giving foster carers the additional skills and resources they require, ensuring that the quality of care given to children looked after is able to meet their needs.

2.2 The decision supports all the aims of the Children Act by providing foster carers with the skills and resources they require to ensure that children are healthy, are kept safe from harm and achieve their emotional, social and educational potential. When they return to their families or move on to independence, they are employed and employable, and make a positive contribution to society .

3 Other options considered and rejected

3.1 To develop no new services and introduce no further growth during 2006-07, thus increasing dependence on independent fostering agencies.

3.2 To implement the entire investment and development plan during 2006-07, which may mean that saving and benefits could be overlooked, and learning opportunities missed.

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision-maker or a member for officer consulted

4.1 Not applicable.

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 Not applicable.

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

6.1 Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor Felicity Hindson

Executive Member for Children's Services