Issue - meetings

[To receive the Annual Fostering Report 2020-2021 for approval.]

Lisa Whelan, Service Manager presented the Annual Fostering Report and highlighted key points. The report provided an outline of the structure, aims and duties of the City of Wolverhampton Fostering Service and details the performance of the service over the last twelve months. The National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services (2011) requires that all Fostering Services provide written reports to their Executive or Trustees on a regular basis. In the case of Local Authorities, the ‘executive’ is the Elected Members of the City of Wolverhampton.

A concern was raised around meeting not just the statutory requirements but aiming for excellence. It was noted that the service did indeed strive not just to meet these targets but exceed them.

A query was raised around what the specific national targets were and it was agreed this would be addressed outside the meeting.

In respect of dormant carers, it was queried whether a retainer was paid during these time periods. It was reported that dormant carers were not typically paid a retainer unless there were extenuating circumstances, such as a break following the end of one placement and awaiting another imminent placement or pending an investigation. Carers who were currently on a break were subject to regular reviews to assess the reasons for the break and when they were ready to return. During these break periods it was not uncommon for carers to undertake home to school travel duties or provide short respite breaks for other families.

Surprise was expressed that carers could stipulate that they wanted children of a certain age. It was reported that they were recruited with the assumption they could offer a home to young people aged from 0 – 18 however carers had the right to choose whether to accept a placement. Babies and toddlers were typically the preference however steps were being taken to highlight the benefits of taking in older children.

A query was raised around number of carers recruited and it was noted that there had been 31 recruited in total and, despite the eight de-registrations, the year had ended with a gain of 23 carers.

It was acknowledged that although Connected Carers were restricted to particular families, this still allowed provision for a home for a Wolverhampton child.

It was noted that some carers had converted to Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs), although there was no requirement to retire from fostering if they wished to continue.

In terms of social workers’ caseload, it was noted that 20 cases for full time workers and 16 for part-time workers was typically the average. Staff retention had been steady and there was currently no requirement for agency staff.  It was noted that support at the time of lockdown had not faced any great challenges as virtual or telephone contact had continued throughout and face to face meetings had resumed as soon as it was safe to do so.    

Resolved:

1. That the Annual Fostering Report 2020-2021 be approved.

2.    That the development, progress, and future objectives of the Fostering  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7