Agenda item

Development / Discussion Item

Minutes:

In groups, the Panel considered whether elected Members know sufficient information about how the service supports its carers to provide reassurance, and, how to further develop the involvement and raise the profile of foster carers and their roles across the wider council.  A note was taken of the discussion.

 

Florence Coulter, Fostering Team Manager, then advised the Panel that there is a vacancy on the Fostering Panel and any Member interested in filling this vacancy was asked to contact Florence Coulter for further information.

 

Cllr Charlton requested information on independent fostering agencies, the Fostering Team Manager responded that there are currently approximately 27 independent fostering agencies. The Strategic Manager for Looked after Children and Permanence added that 62 children are in short term placements and 77 children are permanently placed.  Independent fostering agencies must be registered.  The Head of Looked after Children and Young People reassured the Panel that children placed with independent fostering agencies receive the same level of support from the Children and Young People’s Service, including services such as Full Circle and the Virtual School.

 

Panel Members commented that the presentation from the foster carers had been very informative saying it would be useful to undertake a similar exercise in respect of  Children’s Homes and Aycliffe Secure Centre.   Members suggested a meeting at Aycliffe Centre would be useful.  The Chair agreed that these suggestions should be considered for future meetings.

 

The Chair and Panel thanked the foster carers for delivering such an informative and constructive presentation.   It was appreciated that the foster carers had taken time out of their busy schedules to attend the meeting to share their experiences and their comments will be taken into consideration.