Archived decisions

INVESTMENT IN THE FOSTERING SERVICE : PHASE TWO

1. It has previously been recognised that the key to enhancing the quality and increasing foster carer capacity in Hampshire is to develop the range of services and support available to Hampshire's Foster Carers. To support this a programme was agreed on a pilot basis to quantify the benefits to be achieved prior to further investment. Six pilot schemes began in January 2005. They involved formalising the Out of Hours Placement Fee, paying up to a £500 bonus to any foster carer who introduces a friend to fostering, starting fee paying arrangements for a number of foster carers, recruiting Foster Care Support Workers, re-designating three Fte Social Work posts from district family support teams to the County Recruitment Team and employing four Fte qualified staff to develop an Out of Hours Service.

2. On 26 October 2005, the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services noted the progress already made in the initial developments of the Hampshire Fostering Service and welcomed the success in containing placement cost increases. She supported in principle the extension of the current pilot on a case by case basis after assessing the costs and benefits of alternative provision. The further proposals for subsequent phased investment will be considered during the development of the Children's Services budget for 2006/07 once the full outcome of the pilot schemes are known. The Children's Services Policy Review Committee have considered and support the approach being taken.

3. The above decisions support aims 1, 4 and 5 of the Corporate Strategy.

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