A report by the Director of Children’s Services recommended that the Efficiency Investment Fund be used to expand the Family Group Conferencing Team in Social Care at a cost of £138,000 per annum. The additional intervention work by the team would reduce costs by up to £500,000 and contribute to the key performance indicator to safely reduce the number of looked after children and secure more children permanently within their families.

RESOLVED: That:

(1)  the Family Group Conferencing Team be increased as described and the cost be funded from the Efficiency Investment Fund; and

(2)  the anticipated budget saving of £70,000 in 2011 –12 and £130,000 in 2012-13, be noted.