Agenda item

The Operations Manager presented the Fostering Service Annual Report for 2022-23 which provided an update on progress against the key priority areas (for copy of report and presentation see file of minutes).

The Panel noted a decrease in the number of foster families during the year and that the challenges with regard to the recruitment of foster carers is a national issue. It was reported that Durham is part of the Pathfinder pilot scheme in which 12 north east local authorities have partnered, to provide a co-ordinated, regional fostering approach for a six-month pilot period.  It was agreed that an update on the Pathfinder pilot would be brought to a future meeting.

During the year, work had continued to focus on marketing and there had also been a focus on reducing unnecessary placement moves.  Notably during the year, the number of connected foster carers had increased.

Members noted the importance of the collaborative work with the Children in Care Council and that consultation sessions are held regularly to gather young people’s views. 

The launch of the Mockingbird Hub which took place in September 2022, and not 2023 as stated in the report, had been a resounding success and it had attracted a visit by members of the Scottish government.  Consideration is being given to the promotion of Mockingbird across Children’s Services in Scotland.

Updating the Panel on discussions at previous meetings regarding the financial support available to foster carers, the Panel noted the increase in the Payment for Skills model and age-related fostering allowances, in line with government recommendations.

The Operations Manager concluded by outlining the key priorities for the forthcoming year which include the continuation of the work to increase the number of foster carers, to reduce unnecessary placement moves and ensure the voice of children and young people is at the core of the work.  It is hoped that the second Mockingbird Hub will be launched during the summer.

Responding to a question from Councillor Walton as to how marketing campaigns are monitored and whether the recent t.v. adverts had led to an increase in enquiries, the Practice Lead for Children and Young People confirmed that regular marketing monitoring is undertaken to identify which marketing methods elicit the best response. Monitoring of the response to the recent t.v. adverts had shown no sharp increase in enquiries following the broadcasts. The Operations Manager emphasised the effectiveness of soft marketing methods including visibility, drip-marketing and ‘word of mouth’. She added that targeting specific locations through the hosting of events and initiatives such as ‘Artstops’ contribute to increase visibility.

Councillor Adcock-Foster raised concern at reports of a lack of support available for kinship / connected carers after the making of Special Guardianship Orders and the Operations Manager replied that the service recognised the recent increase in the number of kinship / connected carers and will ensure support is provided both before and after the making of court orders.  

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.