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