Agenda item

·  Report - Sufficiency Strategy for Looked After Children

·  Appendix 1 - Sufficiency Strategy for Looked After Children

The head of joint commissioning for children and young people, clinical commissioning (CCG) presented the report and outlined detail about the sufficiency strategy which was to meet the needs and improve the outcomes for looked after children, and young people.

The committee were asked to note and agree the key priorities of the sufficiency strategy and proposed timescales for strategy development.

The key priorities:

1.  Look at a preventative intervention on fostering and commissioning framework which Croydon council have been leading on since 2013.

2.  Look at cost implications within the existing framework.

3.  Review of residential placements – six recommendations were considered and presented at cabinet in May 2017.

4.  Time scales: June/July – council proposes to meet with stakeholders, health forums and social care providers.

5.  Propose special care needs assessment and engagement with young people, speakerbox and other youth groups.

6.  Issues highlighted at the meeting included the variety and diversity of foster carers, addressing adolescents with their particular needs and the support that was provided.

7.  The council’s housing allocation policy discussed and need for data indicated. Confusion raised about bands 1 and 2

8.  To help develop the sufficiency strategy, a workshop had been arranged for foster carers to attend so they could give their input.

9.  Further queries were raised about the support of local children being placed out of the borough and essential that the sufficiency strategy should address.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the key priorities of the sufficiency strategy be noted.

2.  That the proposed timescales for the strategy development be agreed.

3.  That it be noted that the draft strategy would involve more discussion with members in August 2017 (virtual) so that any comments or ideas could be incorporated.

4.  That officers present a final report to the committee in November 2017.