The Corporate Parenting Panel of Lincolnshire Council met on Thursday 23 July 2026 to review performance data for children in care and discuss the work of various services supporting young people. The panel endorsed the Fostering Service Annual Report 2025/26 and the Adoption Service Annual Report 2025/26, and noted their respective Statements of Purpose for 2026/27.

Children in Care Performance Report Quarter 1

The panel reviewed the Children in Care Performance Report for Quarter 1 of 2026/27. Members sought clarification on health assessment completion rates, with officers explaining that while all eligible children were offered assessments, some older young people chose not to participate. The report highlighted that children not participating in health assessments still received support and their needs were reviewed through care planning. The panel also discussed the participation in learning indicator for 16 and 17-year-olds, noting that performance reflected the changing cohort. Officers provided an update on efforts to increase fostering capacity, support kinship care, and strengthen early intervention to prevent children entering care. The report also detailed factors contributing to increased demand and complexity in children's services, such as parental mental health, substance misuse, and childhood trauma. Members were advised of proposed fostering reforms, including increased delegated authority for foster carers. The panel expressed satisfaction with the performance information and agreed to submit relevant comments to the Executive Councillor for Children's Services.

Fostering Service Annual Report 2025-26 and Statement of Purpose 2026-27

The panel considered the Fostering Annual Report for 2025/26 and the Statement of Purpose for 2026/27. Members welcomed the positive performance of the fostering service and the investment in recruitment and support to increase in-house fostering capacity. The report noted that kinship carers received the same support as mainstream foster carers. There was no upper age limit for foster or kinship carers, with suitability assessed individually. The panel was assured that children were only reunified with their families following robust assessment and multi-agency review. The report also detailed improvements in recruitment and assessment processes, leading to reduced response and assessment timescales. The panel endorsed the Fostering Service Annual Report 2025/26 and noted the Statement of Purpose 2026/27.

Adoption Service Annual Report 2025-26 and Statement of Purpose 2026-27

The panel reviewed the Adoption Service Annual Report for 2025/26 and the Statement of Purpose for 2026/27. Members noted that some foster carers had progressed to adoption, and that fostering-to-adoption arrangements could provide greater stability for children. The report highlighted recruitment efforts to increase visibility within communities and challenge misconceptions about who could adopt. Regional adoption arrangements were mentioned as enabling prospective adopters to be matched with children from a wider geographical area. The panel received an update on complaints received, noting that learning from these had been used to improve processes and communication. The Chairman welcomed the positive report and thanked officers for their work. The panel endorsed the Adoption Service Annual Report 2025/26 and noted the Statement of Purpose 2026/27.

Annual Report of Corporate Parenting Panel Activity 2025-26

The panel considered the annual report of the Corporate Parenting Panel for 2025/26. Members emphasised the importance of evidencing the impact of children and young people's views on service development and decision-making, and welcomed plans to strengthen reporting in this area. The Chairman highlighted the significant progress made by the panel and the increasing involvement of children and young people in shaping its work. The panel endorsed the Annual Report of the Corporate Parenting Panel for submission to Full Council.

2025-26 Annual Report: Lincolnshire Children in Care and Care Leavers Council - Voices for Choices (V4C)

The panel considered the annual report of the Greater Lincolnshire Children in Care and Care Leavers Council (Voices for Choices) for 2025/26. Members discussed how future reports could better demonstrate the impact of the Corporate Parenting Panel's work through the inclusion of key performance measures and outcome data. Officers advised that work was underway to develop regular reporting on the impact of children and young people's participation. The report highlighted improvements driven by the views of children and young people, including more accessible and child-friendly review letters. The panel resolved to note the report, including the valuable contributions made by children and young people; support the continued development of participation activities; and continue to provide oversight and challenge in relation to participation work. Members also resolved to champion the importance of participation across all services.

Corporate Parenting Panel Work Programme

The panel reviewed its planned work programme. Officers advised that they would clarify the position regarding formal reporting to the next thematic meeting and provide a response to a member outside of the meeting. The Corporate Parenting Panel Work Programme was agreed.