The Head of Service for Permanence introduced the report of the Director of Children, Families and Education. The report provided an overview of the Fostering Annual Report for the period of 31st March 2021 - 1st April 2022 for consideration and scrutiny by Members.

The Fostering Annual Report provided an overview of the fostering service in terms of: key performance to date, analysis of current practice, key issues and risks, plans for continuous improvement and progress over the next 12 months. Members were advised that the monitoring of the Fostering Service was required under the Care Standards Act 2000 and Fostering Regulations 2011 and the Fostering National Minimum Standards 2011.

The report focused upon achievements such as new reporting tools, enhanced training, increased numbers of  foster panels and the improvement of the quality of foster panels. Challenges were also reported upon, most notably the proportion of prospective foster parents converting into applications being at an all time low of 6 %. The report set out service priorities for 2022 -23.

Officers responded to a number of questions in relation to training for foster carers, the percentage of children who were placed with parents or fostering agencies, financial incentives and the availability of peer mentors.

A discussion ensued regarding recruitment of foster carers and some suggestions were put forward by members to officers including: incentives for retention of foster care placements i.e. an additional payment after two years, foster carer open days, introduction of admin support for foster carers and discount on council tax or leisure services. Members were advised that a comprehensive review would be undertaken regarding payments and incentives for foster carers.

Resolved – That the Annual Fostering Report 2021-22 be agreed and noted.