Issue - meetings

[To receive the Annual Fostering Report 2018-2019 for approval.]

Lisa Whelan, Service Manager presented the Annual Fostering Report 2018 – 2019 and highlighted salient points. The report provided an update on the developments, progress and future objectives of the fostering service. It was outlined that the fostering service was responsible for recruiting, supporting and developing foster carers to care for and support vulnerable children placed in their care.

A concern was raised around the potential for foster carers losing enthusiasm for the role after several years and it was queried what was being done to mitigate this. It was recognised that sometimes carers naturally retired upon reaching a certain age or moved away to continue their caring career in another region, but often further training rekindled enthusiasm before it started to wane. It was noted that the training had been rebranded and carers’ training was continually updated to keep their skills current.

The Board was also advised that opportunities were available to move to another level of care, subject to approval from a dedicated panel, for which carers would receive a higher income. Experienced carers were encouraged to pair up with new carers to share their knowledge and experience. Foster Families United had also been working to generate interest in foster caring.

Queries were raised around how much need there was for respite care and whether dormant carers were utilised to provide this support. It was confirmed that there had been some requests for respite care and there were different ways of approaching this. Some carers had their own arrangements with friends or family, sometimes availability of other carers would be explored or caring support could be shared among teams of carers. In terms of holidays, it was advised that it would generally be expected that a cared for child would be included in holidays as part of the family.

A query was raised around separating sibling groups if a good match was made for just one child. It was clarified that separation would only ever be considered for legal reasons or if keeping them apart was in the best interests of the children, otherwise families were encouraged to take all siblings together. It was highlighted that the service had even successfully placed a sibling group of seven children together and this achievement was commended by the Board.

The 28 key achievements as outlined in the report were also commended.

Resolved:

That the Annual Fostering Report 2018 – 2019 be approved.