Contact: Pam Robinson Ext 7991 [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

a) That agreement be given to make a loan to a family to assist them with the purchase of a property so as to enable both their own and fostered children to remain together in a stable situation.

b) That the Director of Children's Services is authorised to vary the amount of the payment by a specific amount.

c) That the Chief Executive and County Treasurer conclude the terms of the payment in accordance with the existing policy for such advances.

.

2 Reason

2.1 This decision supports the following Hampshire County Council priority:

"Making Hampshire safer and more secure for all" - by enabling these vulnerable children to lead positive lives, cared for by a stable and permanent family.

"Maximising well-being" - by enabling the children to experience a good quality of family life so that they can achieve their maximum potential.

2.2 This decision supports all five Aims of the Children Act by ensuring that the children are enabled to benefit from a stable placement which will give them the best possible opportunity to achieve their potential, and to keep them safe and secure.

3. Other Options considered and rejected:

For the family to be asked to live in two separate households

For one or more of children to be moved to another foster family

For the Children's Services Department to continue funding housing rental costs

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

Not applicable

5 Legal Implications

Section 59 of the Children Act 2004 gives local authorities wide powers to provide financial assistance for the promotion of welfare of children and their parents and for the provision of support for parenting.

6 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee -

Not applicable

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

Not applicable

Approved by: Date:

Councillor David Kirk

Executive Lead Member for Children Services (Education)