Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families which presents an overview of the work of the Fostering Service during 2021/22, and which invites the Board to adopt the 2021/22 Fostering Service Annual Report and the priorities set out for the forthcoming year.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report presenting an overview of the work of the Fostering Service during 2021/22, and which invited the Board to adopt the 2021/22 Fostering Service Annual Report, as appended, together with the priorities set out for the forthcoming year.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member highlighted the key points detailed within the Fostering Service Annual Report, with it being noted that attracting more foster carers remained a key priority moving forward.

Members welcomed the contents of the report, and highlighted the valuable role played by foster carers across the city.

Responding to an enquiry, the Board received further detail on the processes in place and the range of data that was available to identify the reasons why foster carers had left the Council, and how that data could be used when looking to recruit more foster carers.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the 2021/22 Fostering Service Annual Report, as appended to the submitted report, be adopted, together with the service priorities for next year; with it being noted that this resolution will be implemented during 2022-23;

(b)  That the Fostering Service’s plans to increase the range of carers and placements available, be noted and supported, with it being noted that this resolution will be implemented during 2022-23;

(c)  That it be noted that the responsible officer for such matters is the Head of Service, Children Looked After and Corporate Parenting.