Issue - meetings

[To receive information on children living in Wolverhampton who are in the care of other local authorities.]

Mandy Lee, Safeguarding Manager for Children presented the Children Living in Wolverhampton Who are in the Care of other Local Authorities report and highlighted salient points. The report was intended to provide assurance that children and young people placed in Wolverhampton were appropriately safeguarded. An outline of the process and reasons for placing children from other authorities in Wolverhampton and the responsibilities of each party was provided. Children and young people would still have access to services as if they were residing in their own local area.

In response to a query around who initiated the decision to stay with a connected person, it was clarified that a child’s placement followed fostering regulations under friends and family. It was also clarified that Wolverhampton could not refuse to allow other local authorities to place a child.

It was noted that notice prior to placement was preferable as best practice however, under emergency circumstances, a child may be placed and notification given to Wolverhampton after the placement. The notification allows the Emergency Duty Team to know who to contact if a child in the care of another local authority comes to attention out of hours.

In respect of the funding provided from the placing local authority, it was noted that the care package would be funded in terms of the fostering/residential care placement Healthcare was provided by Wolverhampton and an invoice for the placing authority would be raised. Pupil Premiums would be specifically allocated.

It was agreed that the report provided assurance that appropriate child safeguarding was in place.

Resolved:

That the Children Living in Wolverhampton Who are in the Care of other Local Authorities report be received.