Agenda item

The Panel considered a report and presentation delivered  by Lindsey Herring, Commissioning, Planning and Policy Officer which provided a summary of the key findings and objectives outlined in the Sufficiency Strategy (for copy of report and presentation see file of minutes). 

Councillor Potts confirmed that the Children and Young People’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee plan to undertake a review of the accommodation available for looked after children in County Durham and it was agreed that it would be useful to involve the Commissioning team in this piece of work.

Cllr Jewell asked if budget constraints had impacted on the training provided for foster carers, and asked if some foster carers or adopters would be approved with additional training.  The Strategic Manager for Looked After Children and Permanence advised that all foster carers including those from independent fostering agencies receive significant training, and have input into training sessions from young people from the CICC.  She added that in January 2019 an update will be provided to the Corporate Parenting Panel on the establishment of a Regional Adoption Agency, which will work with the voluntary sector to increase capacity.

Resolved

That the report be noted.