Decision Maker: Social & Health Care Overview & Scrutiny Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 4, 2025

Purpose: To report on the findings of an evaluation of the Mocking Bird Fostering model and proposals for service development.

Content: (a)    That members reviewed and supported initiatives aimed at expanding in-house general fostering households.  This work aimed to increase local placements for children and reduce dependency on high-cost Independent Agency Fostering; (b)    That members evaluated the outcomes of the Mockingbird programme in Flintshire and formally endorsed the schemes expansion to build a resilient, flexible cohort of foster carers through peer support and networked care; (c)    That member actively supported the implementation of the ‘Lleol’ initiative as part of the Reconnect scheme, designed to enable children looked after to return to local residential services and transition smoothly from residential care to foster placements; and (d)    That members supported the plan to increase the Special Guardianship service so more children looked after remain with connected carers under arrangements that promoted stability and continuity of care.