Agenda item

The Committee considered the scoping report for the review into fostering.

Officers noted that now was the right time to conduct this review and that it would align closely with the broader Care Offer, the continuum of care, and the recruitment of more foster carers.

Interest in fostering had significantly increased since the launch of the new offer with an increase in applications from prospective carers. 14 new fostering households had been recruited since the launch with a further 14 families at various stages of the assessment process. It was clarified that not all applicants would be approved as there was a robust process designed to ensure suitability. Officers further advised that while some foster carers were retiring or resigning, the net increase was positive.

There had been a recent ceremony celebrating foster carers, including recognition of long-serving carers and new recruits, illustrating the breadth of experience within the service.

Investing in foster carers was essential for driving change and improving outcomes for children and young people. The review could generate recommendations to Cabinet to further enhance recruitment, the benefits of fostering, and recognition of the role foster carers have for young people.

Officers noted that, despite positive developments, challenges remained including fostering breakdowns and an ongoing shortage of foster carers. The Committee’s scrutiny was welcomed, not only for the successes but also on areas needing further improvement. Officers also welcomed the proposed Terms of Reference for focusing on young peoples’ experiences and placement stability, as well as the experiences of foster carers.

Members also stressed the importance of hearing directly from young people, suggesting a private witness session to allow them to share their experiences freely.

Members further suggested receiving briefings on training and safeguarding, particularly “PACE” training undertaken by foster carers, to better understand how carers were equipped to keep young people safe.

Members also suggested hearing from carers involved in the “mockingbird constellation” to gather their views and identify areas for improvement.

Members referenced the relatively short timeframe for the review, noting witness sessions in November and December, and conclusions to be drawn in January. Members also raised the possibility of an additional witness session, and queried if the ‘early ideas to consider’ were already being done. Officers responded that, while the Council can evidence increased recruitment and an improved offer, the value of the review would lie in determining whether further improvements can be made, particularly regarding the quality of care and young peoples’ experiences. This could help to narrow the review’s focus.

Officers welcomed the Committee’s ‘critical friend’ role, and its review of existing practices would also be useful.

Members raised the possibility of learning from neighbouring authorities and statistical neighbours. Officers noted that most authorities had been following similar approaches, and Hillingdon’s new strategy represented a departure from established practice, and so there would be limited benefit to this.

Members also suggested broadening the search for best practise to include international case studies, though officers noted that differences in legal frameworks limited the applicability of overseas models.

Officers noted learning from the independent sector and that some carers had transferred to Hillingdon as a result of the new offer.

Members suggested that there be consideration given to placement stability and outcomes for children when this happened. Members emphasised the importance of understanding not just preventative measures, but also the mechanisms and interventions in place for when issues arise, and learning from those experiences. This could be investigated in the proposed first witness session.

Members agreed the scoping report.

RESOLVED: That the Committee agreed this scoping report