Agenda item

Foster Care in England - A Review for the Department for Education by Sir Martin Narey and Mark Owers - Verbal Update

Minutes:

The committee received a presentation from officers in respect of this report published.

 

The report published on 6 February 2018 sets out 36 recommendations. Officers outlined work already being undertaken in Southwark including:

 

·  Celebration of foster carers and the campaign to identify more positive and good news stories

·  Recruitment events and using foster carers expert knowledge

·  Secure base model - adopted in 2015

·  Delegation of authority and decisions undertaken at beginning of the fostering processing to ensure that foster carers can give permission for day trips and so on

·  That foster carers have as much information as possible on the child

·  Education throughout the year so that foster carers can support children

·  Training for foster carers around therapeutic play

·  Affection and how Southwark foster carers already feel supported in this area

·  Matching – key priority for Southwark and celebration of permanent placement

·  Fostering activity day and children more involved

·  Bright spots and confirmation already happening in Southwark

·  Contact and siblings – already working on.

 

Summary of issues and comments arising:

 

·  Discussions around Independent Reviewing officer (IRO)

·  Independent Foster Agencies (IFA) and

·  Commissioning arrangements.

Supporting documents: