Archived decisions

NON-COUNTY PLACEMENTS AND INDEPENDENT FOSTERING PROVIDER PLACEMENTS

1. The Executive Lead Member for Children's Services has considered a report by the Director of Children's Services explaining the criteria for the County Council's use of Non-County Placements and Independent Fostering Provider Placements. It also deals with the pressures that have caused the usage of those placements to increase in recent months. Whilst the number of placements in non-county residential care have been stable, costs have risen significantly, reflecting the higher incidence of need of the children placed. Placements with Independent Fostering Providers have continued to rise as a direct result of lack of choice and availability of our own foster carers. As a response to this, the Executive Lead Member has endorsed a number of actions which are planned, or in progress, to control and reverse this trend. During 2006, Treasurer's Consultancy have been reviewing the issues relevant to children with disabilities placed in Non County Placements and their findings are incorporated in the Director of Children's Services report which is available in the Members' Rooms. Actions include investment in recruiting additional foster carers for the County.

2. This decision secures best value for money and fitness for purpose placement provision for children in care, and maintains robust arrangements for the monitoring of purchased provision. Also, it continues the development of a range of placements and the matching of needs to placements and service provision, including community based provision. This supports the Council's Corporate priorities.