Purpose

The report proposes an increase in the fees paid for Fostering and Adoption Panel membership. The proposals put forward are informed by analysis of the financial arrangements that exist in comparative Local Authorities and Independent Fostering Agencies.

The Fostering Panel is an independent body that fulfils the county council's statutory function in making recommendations to an Agency Decision Maker, in respect of the approval of foster carers in Lancashire. The Adoption Panel fulfils a parallel function in respect of the approval of adoptive parents, and the matching of children who require an adoptive family.

The proposed changes will provide increased fees for independent members of the Fostering and Adoption Panel central list, that is comparable to the allowances and fees received by panel members and chairs for other local authorities and Independent Fostering Agencies.

The overriding aim of the proposal is to support the recruitment and retention of a suitably skilled, experienced, and diverse panel pool, that is able to provide high quality decision making that reflects the county council's commitment to children in care and those requiring adoptive families. This report also updates members on the interim arrangements for ensuring no financial detriment in the first year of young people 'Staying Put' with their foster carers.

Decision

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.