Issue - meetings

Report CEF22055

The report outlined fostering recruitment and retention activities during the six-month period between January to June 2022.

In considering the report, the Chairman underlined the need to ensure that in-house foster carers were paid competitive rates.  The Head of Service – Permanency advised that foster carers were paid a professional fee plus an additional amount based on the type of placement they offered, and that this total rate was often higher than independent fostering agencies.  The Local Authority also offered extensive support which was highly valued by its foster carers.  The Chairman was concerned that the target of recruiting 20 new foster carers for the 2021/22 financial year would not be met and suggested the Local Authority consider how to make its offer more attractive.  The Head of Service – Permanency outlined a number of ways in which the Local Authority aimed to attract new foster carers including offering comprehensive information and support and via its wide-ranging marketing strategy which included social media advertising and a recent pop-up in The Glades shopping centre.  Advertisements could also be targeted at specific demographic groups where particular experiences or expertise would benefit individual children looked after.

RESOLVED: That fostering recruitment and retention activities during the six-month period between January to June 2022 be noted.