Minutes:
The Head of Children’s Social Care provided an update on the number of children looked after which stood at 955, an increase of approximately 50 on the figure reported in February. Members noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had delayed plans for some young people who were ready to leave the looked after system, the increase therefore did not represent 50 new cases. The increase mirrors the regional and national trend.
Councillor A Reed asked if the increase had impacted on foster care capacity. The Head of Children’s Social Care responded that, over recent months, there had been an increase in the number of children living in kinship care arrangements, and in these circumstances, a family member or friend is approved as their foster carer. In addition to this, the foster carer recruitment campaign continues to ensure sufficiency.