Agenda item

·         Presentation from two Foster Carers

The Chair informed the Panel that the meeting would examine foster caring and how well foster carers are supported. 

Karen Robb, Strategic Manager for Looked After Children and Permanence, presented the Fostering Service report which provided an overview of the recent changes within the service and provided assurance to Members in relation to the key lines of enquiry within the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Parenting Resource Packs (for copy of report see file of minutes).

Resolved:

That the recommendations contained in the report be approved.

The Chair then introduced Florence Coulter, Fostering Team Manager and three foster carers who had been invited to the meeting to speak to the Panel about their experiences of foster caring.  The foster carers provided some background information on themselves, their families, the length of time they have been foster caring and the ages and profiles of the children they care for. 

In response to a question about the support they receive, the foster carers emphasised how important the support is that they receive from their allocated social workers.  One of the foster carers explained that she has benefited from the stability of having the same allocated social worker for seven years, and, as a result, she felt very well supported.  The foster carers said that, at times when allocated social workers are unavailable, there is always a member of staff available to provide advice and support. 

The foster carers also reported having good relationships with the children’s social workers, however there are frustrations at times around the social worker caseloads etc. which impacts on the service they are able to provide.  Keeping foster carers up to date on the children they are looking after, as necessary could help alleviate some of these frustrations.

In respect of training, the foster carers agreed that there is plenty of training available for carers and their families.  One of the less experienced foster carers informed the Panel that she had participated in a ‘launch-pad’ for new foster carers which had enabled her to share her experiences.  The foster carers explained that groups and events which include the participation of their families and friends are very important as foster caring affects all family members.

The foster carers were asked to identify areas for improvement.  In response, they reported that on occasions there is a lack of communication with the children’s social workers, for example, in respect of appointments, court dates and care plans.   Asked if they found that support is available across the Council’s services as a whole, the foster carers agreed that, in their experience, support is available.  One of the foster carers gave an example of how the education service had been flexible with nursery hours to enable her to manage her time with a pre-school age child in her care more effectively, and, another foster carer commented on how valuable the support is that she receives from the Virtual School.

When asked if they could give examples of any particular problems they experience,   one of the foster carers commented that in the past, changes in team structures had an impact.   Referring to short term placements, they explained that these can be quite hectic in terms of the amount of appointments involved and there can be a lack of communication.  On occasions, foster carers have had to remind social workers about appointments and undertaking statutory visits. 

Councillor Gunn asked whether there is an awareness amongst foster carers of the steps the Council is taking to address the problems caused by the high demand on Children’s Services.  The foster carers responded that they do not receive a great deal of information about these matters and they added that the relationship between foster carers and social workers is very much a two-way process.  The foster carers commented that they feel they only have a limited understanding of the pressures social workers are under with regard to their workloads, report writing, court hearings and training.

In response to a question from Cllr Jewell on the different levels of foster carers, the Fostering Team Manager, explained that foster carers are assessed and their experience determines their level which is directly aligned to pay rates.  Councillor Jewell referred to attachment issues and asked if the foster carers could explain how they cope with these issues.  The foster carers explained that the fostering process involves administration including daily recordings and life-story work.  Bonds inevitably are formed, however, their aim is to do the best for the children in their care and when it is time for the child to move on, having benefitted from the care they have received, it is a very positive and rewarding experience.

Asked what advice they would give to a person thinking of becoming a foster carer, the foster carers said it is life-changing and challenging, but very rewarding. 

The Fostering Team Manager informed the Panel that when enquiries about fostering are received, the Service offers enquirers the opportunity to speak directly to foster carers so that interested parties can be clear on the challenges. 

Councillor Grant commented that it would be interesting to have information from foster carers who care for teenagers as this would undoubtedly require a different set of skills to those required to care for younger children.

Cllr Darkes asked the foster carers whether they felt the financial remuneration was adequate.  In their opinion, the foster carers felt it was adequate adding that the money is used to provide the children with opportunities that otherwise they may never have.

Cllr Crathorne asked the foster carers whether their experiences have encouraged their families and friends to consider becoming foster carers.  They said that their experiences have encouraged others to consider foster caring and one of the foster carers said she had been encouraged to become a foster carer through the positive experiences of a family member who was a foster carer.  Cllr Reed spoke very highly of her experiences with the Durham fostering agency.  The Fostering Team Manager said that word-of-mouth is a very powerful tool in the recruitment of foster carers.

Members of the Panel expressed their overwhelming admiration for the work the foster carers undertake in order to support our looked after young people.