Issue - meetings

This report details the duties of the Council, working in cooperation with partner agencies, in respect of private fostering arrangements and notifications in accordance with Regulations, National Minimum Standards, and Guidance which came into force on 1st July 2005 as Section 44 of the Children Act 2004 and detailed in The Children (Private Arrangements for Fostering) Regulations 2005.

Note: The papers were not available at the time of despatch and will be despatched under separate cover in due course

Councillor Nathan Hartley explained that for children under-16 (u-18 if disabled), local authorities did not register private carers, but did still have a responsibility for safeguarding the young people.  He drew attention to paragraph 5.12 of the report, which showed that the Council offered support to privately fostered children and their carers.  He recommended the proposals to Cabinet.

Councillor David Dixon seconded the proposal.

Councillor Tim Ball expressed his support.  He was alarmed to hear that there were only 10 known foster families in the authority, when he was aware of many others in his own ward, some of whom do not contact the authority because they are afraid the children will be removed from the home.  He felt that foster parents should be encouraged and supported, and that Member training should be provided on the issue.

On a motion from Councillor Nathan Hartley, seconded by Councillor David Dixon, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To NOTE the report;

(2) To AGREE the evaluation of the outcomes of the work in relation to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of privately fostered children;

(3) To ASK the Divisional Director (Safeguarding Social Care and Family Service) to present an annual report to the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board on how it safeguards and promotes the welfare of privately fostered children, including how it cooperates with other agencies.