Agenda item

Chris Bell, Operations Manager, Fostering and Adoption and the Full Circle delivered a presentation on the Full Circle service which provides therapeutic services for looked after children, adopted children and young people and children in need (for copy of presentation see file of minutes).

Cllr Darkes referred to the main risks identified being mental health problems, social and relationship difficulties and school and workplace issues and asked if any one of the risks is more prevalent. The Operations Manager replied that research suggests that the impact of trauma affecting placement / parenting increases the risk of these mental health issues. 

Cllr McKeon asked, in cases where a child in foster care has self-harmed, what measures are in place to assess the child’s risk of further self-harm.  The Operations Manager informed the Panel that children in foster care have a multi-agency team to support them.

R Edwards referred to post adoptive placements and the requirement for families to be reallocated a social worker which the family may perceive to be a negative reflection on them. The Head of Looked After Children and Care Leavers responded that this issue is periodically reviewed, and, where a child requires therapeutic support, a broad network of support is offered, not only social work support.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.