Janet Simon, Strategic Lead for Children Looked After presented the report which provided an update on and an overview of placement activities in the period of 2017/18.

The officer highlighted key areas of the report and informed members that there had been a reduction in the number of looked after children this year and that this was largely attributed to the reduction in Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) remaining in borough.

The officer explained that this period had continued the consistent decrease in UASC placed in Thurrock and that this is due to the Eastern Region Protocol. The Eastern Region Protocol sees local authorities allocated an “.07” number, which determined the number of UASC that can reasonably be accommodated in borough, and as Thurrock was above this number, further UASC were distributed amongst the neighbouring local authorities.

She further briefed the Committee that:

·         The majority of Children Looked After were in foster care placement, and a focus had been placed on the recruitment of additional foster carers.

·         There had been stabilisation in the use of residential placements and an emphasis had been placed on the review of the suitability of these placements and whether the needs of the young people could be better met in foster care.

·         The service was continuing to work closely with the Finance Team to keep costs within budget and ensure value for money.

The Chair questioned why only 11 young people “stay put” in placement and commented that this number seemed low. The officer stated that the service actively encouraged young people to stay in placement however it was not always appropriate for them to do so. She further explained that a common factor was the desire for independence in the age group but agreed that she would like to see an increase in this figure and this was being looked into by the Permanency Panel.

The Chair stated that independence was a desire across the board for this age group, however the majority of non-looked after young people could not afford independent living and were therefore remaining in the family home much longer.

The officer agreed with this assessment and expanded on the efforts her team made to encourage “staying put”. She highlighted the “Pathway Plan” which looked at the skills required for living independently and also noted that all looked after young people should have savings as part of their plan. The officer further added that foster carers are encouraged to educate their charge in skills through chores such as cleaning and laundry.

The officer stated that with regard to facilitating the permanency of placement, young people should be challenged on their vision of independent living, and provided a “reality check” around the difficulties they will face. She explained that the benefit afforded to such young people amounts to £57.90 and educating young people about having to manage such a tight budget was a key means to encouraging them to stay in placement.

Councillor Hamilton questioned whether £57.90 was the sum total afforded to young people leaving care or if this was separate from Housing Benefits. The officer clarified that young people would receive Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support in addition to this amount, but the £57.90 would need to cover all utility bills and general costs of living.

Councillor Abbas questioned why if some foster carers were able to take more than one young person, these carers were not given more than one. The officer explained that often it can be detrimental to the children or young people currently in the placement to introduce another before they are settled and the effects of this were a consideration before placing an additional young person. She also added that there were occasions where it was not appropriate to mix some young people such as where there had been trauma or additional support needs.

The Chair thanked the Strategic Lead for Children Looked After and moved to

the recommendation that members noted the report.

RESOLVED:

The Corporate Parenting Committee noted the report.