Contact: Sue Kocaman. 01962 847263 [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought. That the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services:

1.2 Approves the following increases to allowances and notes the matters raised in respect of Special Guardianship:

1.2.1 Increase Adoption Allowances by 2.5% as of 1 April 2006, and introduce a new Adoption Allowance scheme.

1.2.2 Increase Residence Allowances by 2.5% as of 1 April 2006.

1.2.3 Introduce an allowance scheme to support Special Guardianship orders.

1.2.4 Increase Kinship care allowances by 2.5% as of 1 April 2006.

1.2.5 Increase Family Link Allowances by 2.5% as of 1 April 2006.

1.2.6 Increase Foster Carers Skill Fees by 2.5.% as of 1 April 2006.

1.2.7 Increase Fostering Allowances by 2.5.%.as of April 2006.

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 recognising the important contribution made by families in Hampshire to our most vulnerable children and supporting that contribution by way of a fair, consistent and transparent scheme of allowances.

2.2 The decision supports all five aims of `Every Child Matters' and the Children Act 2004, by enabling financial support to be made available to a range of family based carers who look after children in the greatest need. These care arrangements enable children to be looked after in a safe and healthy environment where they can be encouraged to achieve their emotional, social and educational potential.. This in turn means that when they return to their families or move on to independence, they are able to make a positive contribution to society, and to participate in and enjoy the same educational, employment and training opportunities as their peers.

3 Other options considered and rejected

3.1 To agree partial or no increase to allowances in the coming financial year. This would lead to some families being unable to continue offering the invaluable services described, or to an inconsistent and unfair system of remuneration.

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

Contact Name: Sue Kocaman 01962 847263. [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 This report outlines the proposals for increasing Hampshire County Council's fees and allowances payable in respect of children who cannot be cared for by their parents and who need to be cared for away from home, and in respect of children who can be supported to remain at home, with regular respite care provided by others.

1.2 The underpinning philosophy is that, wherever possible, children should be helped to remain in their own homes with their own parents. Where this is not possible, they should be cared for in their extended families or with adults with whom they are familiar.

1.3 Children should not remain in public care unnecessarily, and plans should be made for their return home, or for permanent alternative arrangements as quickly as possible, so that children can experience stable, family based care for the duration of their childhoods.

1.4 The recommended increase of 2.5% is consistent with the budget assumptions for non pay related inflation and is close to the Retail Price Index, excluding mortgage interest, ( RPIX) which stood at 2.3% for January 2006.

1.5 The proposals support aims one, four and five of the Corporate Strategy by:

1.5.1 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.

1.5.2 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.

1.5.3 Improving services by recognising the important contribution made by families in Hampshire to our most vulnerable children and supporting that contribution by way of a fair, consistent and transparent scheme of allowances.

1.5.4 The proposals support all five aims of `Every Child Matters' and the Children Act 2004, by enabling financial support to be made available to a range of family based carers who look after children in the greatest need. These care arrangements enable children to be looked after in a safe and healthy environment where they can be encouraged to achieve their emotional, social and educational potential.. This in turn means that when they return to their families or move on to independence, they are able to make a positive contribution to society, and to participate in and enjoy the same educational, employment and training opportunities as their peers.

2 Adoption Allowances

2.1 It is proposed that Adoption Allowances in respect of existing schemes increase by 2.5% as of 1 April 2006. At the end of January 2006, 189 children who have been adopted, are eligible for adoption allowances, compared to 185 last year, with 18 new children joining the scheme in the current year. Adopters are subject to an annual assessment to establish continued eligibility, and to take account of changing circumstances.

2.2 In December 2005 new Adoption Support Regulations came into force, which built on the Adoption Support Services Regulations 2003. There is a continued emphasis on adopters being encouraged to seek financial support in the first instance through universal benefits and allowances such as Tax credits and child benefits. The aim is to decrease the numbers of families dependant upon Adoption Agencies for their incomes, and enable agencies to provide services or one off grants rather than ongoing financial support.

2.3 Adopters are able to request an assessment for financial support at any time during the adopted child's childhood. This may be in the form of a one off grant in order to meet the needs of a specific child or children, such as assistance to purchase a vehicle, or to adapt a property for a child with special needs, or by paying a regular weekly allowance to enhance a family's income

2.4 The 2005 Regulations introduce a standard, national formula for assessing adopters' eligibility for an allowance, although the amount payable remains the decision of the County Council.

2.5 To this end, a new Scheme has been developed which assesses prospective adopters against the new criteria, and guidance is being introduced in respect of the provision of financial support for one off grants and payments.

2.6 In situations where an existing foster carer applies to adopt a child for whom they are caring, the level of allowance payable is maintained in line with the fostering allowance. This approach has meant that the number of foster carers who have adopted children in their care has continued to increase, although it is anticipated that Special Guardianship will prove to be the preferred route for foster carers. In the current year 12 children have been adopted by their foster carers- an increase of 1 on the previous year.

2.7 For those children who are supported by way of a weekly allowance, it is proposed to increase the amount payable by 2.5% from 1 April 2006, in line with the rate set by the County Council for services. The amount payable is shown in the table at 5.2.

3. Residence Allowances

3.1 Residence Allowances can be paid, subject to financial assessment, in circumstances where a child or children have been or would otherwise have been Looked After by the Local Authority, but the need for the child to be looked after is prevented or ceases when a Residence Order is granted. The most common situations are where a relative or current carer offers to care for a child or children on a permanent basis, and to take legal responsibility for the child.

3.2 At the end of January 2006, 97 children are supported by way of a Residence Allowance. In 2004/05 the number of children supported was 79. In the last year there has been a net increase of 18 children supported in this way . Between 2003/04 and 2004/05 there was an increase of 23 .

3.3 The level of allowance payable, matches those paid under the Adoption allowance scheme, and is shown in the table at 5.2. It is proposed that Residence Allowances increase by 2.5% as of 1 April 2006.

4. Special Guardianship

4.1 In December 2005 Special Guardianship was introduced as an amendment to the Children Act 1989. As with Residence Orders, the aim was to encourage and enable relatives or current carers of children who are or who might otherwise be looked after by the Local Authority to offer permanent alternative care to a child and to take legal responsibility for that child.

4.2 The Local Authority is required to provide the same range of financial and practical support to any child who is subject to Special Guardianship arrangements, as it provides in respect of children who are adopted. This includes one off grants and payments, regular weekly allowances, and other support services.

4.3 It is difficult to anticipate the number of Special Guardianship Orders which are likely to be made in the coming year. There are three applications in the courts in respect of Hampshire' looked after children, at the time of this report being prepared ( 1^st February 2006). It is likely that the number will steadily increase, in particular in respect of children who are not yet known to the Local Authority, as the Order becomes more widely known and understood.

4.4 It is proposed that the level of allowances payable in respect of Special Guardianship arrangements, are in line with the allowance arrangements and rates payable in respect of Adoption, Residence and kinship care arrangements, as shown in the table at 5.2.

5. Kinship Care

5.1 Kinship care allowances were newly developed in Hampshire, during 2003/04 with a small but steadily increasing number of children being supported in this way Allowances are awarded in line with those granted to adopters and those seeking a Residence Order. It is proposed that the rate be increased by 2.5% in line with similar allowances. 34 children are being supported in this way at the end of January 2006, representing a net increase of 22 on the previous year.. It is expected that there will be a continuing rise in the number of children being supported in this way in the coming year, although Special Guardianship may offer a statutory alternative This is in line with Hampshire County Council's policy of enabling children who would otherwise be in public care, to be cared for within their extended family.

5.2 The maximum weekly allowance payable under scheme five in respect of Adoption, Residence, Special Guardianship and kinship arrangements is shown below:

Age Band	2005/06	2006/07
0 - 4years	£66.73	£68.39
5 - 11years	£76.39	£78.33
12-15yrs	£95.01	£97.37
16 + ( where applicable)	£123.01	£126.07

6 Family Link Allowances

6.1 It is proposed that Family Link Allowances be increased by 2.5% as of 1 April 2006. Currently around 120 children benefit from using this scheme which offers planned, family based respite care to children with disabilities. This service offers significant support to children and their families, and is one which Hampshire County Council is committed to continue developing. A 2.5% increase in line with other allowances is therefore recommended. This would mean that family link carers would receive the following rates:

	2005/06	2006/07
0 - 4hrs	£12.60	£12.92
4 - 8hrs	£23.11	£23.69
8 - 12hrs	£31.52	£32.31
Overnight	£18.91	£19.38
Waking Night	£31.52	£32.31
Whole week	£250	£256.25

7 Skill Fees

7.1 All foster carers are automatically assessed as competent at skill level one and thereafter are invited to work towards levels two and three if they wish to do so. At the end of January 2006, 86 foster carers are receiving a skill level two payment and 165 foster carers are receiving a skill level three payment. This is an overall increase of 33 on the same period last year.

7.2 In addition, a small number of foster carers (35) remain on the Project Care Scheme which pays a fee of £124.11 per child per week.

7.3 A pilot scheme introduced during 2004 enabled ten foster carers to receive a higher fee, which is more in line with that offered by Independent Fostering Agencies. This is now being extended to introduce a level 4 and a Level 5 fee, as represented in the table at 7.4. Foster carers are able to join or leave the level 4 and 5 schemes depending on their circumstances and the level of need of the child or children in their care.

7.4 It is proposed that all of the above fees be increased by 2.5% ( or as near as possible to enable the skill fee to remain divisible by 7, in order that Family Link Carers can continue to easily use the scheme).

	2005/06	2006/07
Level 2	£58.80	£60.27
Level 3	£80.15	£82.25
Level 4	£125.00	£128.10
Level 5	£250.00	£256.20
Project Care Fee	£124.11	£127.19

8 Fostering Allowances

8.1 Hampshire's foster carers continue to offer an excellent professional service to children who need to be looked after away from home, both on a short term basis and as a longer term arrangement. Foster carers continue to emphasise that training and support are as important to them as levels of allowances and fees.

8.2 The Fostering Service continues to provide a full calendar of training for foster carers, and an independent support service to foster carers who have a complaint or allegation made against them.

8.3 The Hampshire Fostering Network is allocated a grant of £5,000 per year to produce regular newsletters, and to hold meetings around the County every month. It organises regular social and information based events for foster carers and their families, and attends annual events for foster carers, to represent Hampshire at a national level, as well as to learn from other foster carers across the country.

8.4 A total of 24 foster carers have been supported to achieve their NVQ3 in Childcare. In addition, all foster carers, their own children and the children in their care, were invited to a special event at Marwell Zoo to recognise the contribution they make to the lives of vulnerable children, and to thank them for their continued commitment to the fostering service..

8.5 In December 2004 the Executive Member for Social Care agreed a number of developments to the fostering service, which were further developed after some pilot arrangements were evaluated in October 2005. This has meant additional support from experienced foster carers , as well as additional staff to recruit new carers.

8.6 The continued commitment from the County Council, to develop and invest in the fostering service, is reflected in outcome from the recent inspection of the Fostering Service by the Commission for Social care Inspection, which was very positive.

8.7 In addition to the standard fostering allowance, the County Council also makes available additional grants and payments to meet the needs of individual children in exceptional circumstances. This may be through the adaptation of a foster carer's home, the provision of specialist equipment or services, or specialist training or services to enable a young person to more fully achieve his or her potential.

8.8 Childcare rates, to enable foster carers to attend important meetings and training, are proposed to increase from £4.10 per hour to £4.20 per hour.

8.9 Mileage rates for essential travel are proposed to increase from 41p per mile to 42p per mile. The same amount is paid to adopters for journeys undertaken during the introduction of the child to their new family.

8.10 In respect of fostering allowances for 2006/07, it is proposed to increase allowances by 2.5% for all age groups at this stage. An amendment to the Children Act 2004 means that recommendations may be made to introduce a nationally agreed rate of allowances to foster carers in the coming year. A consultation exercise is currently underway, and the results will be welcomed by foster carers in that a benchmark of payments could be set, which will provide a benchmark for Local Authority Fostering Services as well as Independent Fostering Agencies .In the meantime, it is proposed to pay the following rate of allowances from 1 April 2006;

	Current Hampshire Rates	New Hampshire Recommended Rate
0 - 4 yrs	£100.10	£102.62
5 - 10 yrs	£114.59	£117.46
11 - 15 yrs	£142.52	£146.09
16 +	£184.52	£189.14

9. Legal Implications

None

10 Financial Implications

10.1 The cost of the proposals outlined in this report will be met from the inflationary increase built in to the budgets for 2006/07.

10.2 Approval has already been given to invest in family placement services, as part of the strategic budget planning. Developments are underway to build on earlier pilot schemes such as an enhanced fee paying scheme for foster carers.

10.3 Recommendation No 3 ( Paragraph 4) represents a potential pressure on the budget where it applies to children who are not already looked after by the Local Authority. At present it is not possible to calculate the numbers of children to whom this arrangement might apply. Activity will be carefully monitored in order to better assess the likely level of demand for this service, to ensure that any additional pressure can be tracked and appropriate action taken.

11. Personnel Implications

None

12 Impact assessment

Central Government Regulations and Inspection arrangements specify requirements concerning racial and other forms of discrimination. A race and equality impact assessment has been considered in respect of Children and Families Social Care Services. The annual inspection of Hampshire's fostering service carried out by the Commission for Social Care Inspection in December 2005 confirmed that issues of diversity were appropriately. In respect of the Adoption Service, the Commission highlighted some areas for improvement.

13 Crime prevention issues

None

14 Views of the Local County Councillor

Not applicable. This report contains proposals which apply County wide and there are no proposals specific to any one Councillor's Electoral Division.

Recommendations

That the Lead Executive member for Children's Services be advised that the Children's Services Policy Review Committee supports the following proposals:

1 To increase Adoption Allowances by 2.5% as of 1 April 2006

Reference Paragraph 2

2 To increase Residence Allowances by 2.5% as of 1 April 2006

Reference Paragraph 3

3 To introduce an allowance scheme to support Special Guardianship orders.

Reference Paragraph 4

4 To increase Kinship Care allowances by 2.5% as of 1 April 2006

Reference Paragraph 5

5 To Increase Family Link Allowances by 2.5% as of 1 April 2006

Reference Paragraph 6

6 To increase Foster Carers Skill Fees by 2.5% as of 1 April 2006

Reference Paragraph 7

7 To increase Fostering Allowances by 2.5% as of 1 April 2006, plus additional miscellaneous expenses for foster carers.

Reference Paragraphs 8.8, 8.9 and 8.10

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background documents

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

None