The Officer presented the report that updated Members on the range of issues regarding the placement choices made for Children Looked After for the period 10 June and 30 November 2016.

The Officer referred members to comparison data within the report which included:

•           The increase in the number of the looked after children within this period. The Officer stated that the number of Children Looked After since the report had been published had been reduced from 350 to 327.

•           The decrease in the number of unaccompanied asylum seekers. The Officer stated that the decrease in the number of unaccompanied asylum seekers would be due to the closure of the asylum camp in Paris and with the introduction of the Eastern Region Transfer Protocol.

•           The comparative rate for Thurrock was 62.6 compared to the national rate of 60.0. The Officer stated that this figure did not include the number of unaccompanied asylum seeking children.

•           The increase in the number of children under the age of one in this period.

•           The increase in the number of children between the age 12-15 and 16+.

•           The reduction in residential care.

•           The approval of 6 new in-house foster carers with further assessments in place.

The Officer stated that work continued on the recruitment of foster carers and that work with iMPOWER was ongoing dealing with the challenges of Children Looked After that have been placed outside the borough.

Councillor Redsell asked Officers for clarification on the increase of children under the age of one. The Officer stated the number had increased due to the drive to swiftly place children permanently and accounted for those babies up for adoption.

Councillor Redsell stated that the 49 Councillors should be used to promote the recruitment of foster carers with leaflets being tabled at Full Council. The Officer agreed and had been working with the communications team on how best to use Councillors and employees to increase the number of potential foster carers.

The Chair asked Officers is the 6 new in house foster carers was an improved figure compared to last year. The Officer stated that this overall was not the case but the direction of travel was right and that foster carers were being used more effectively.

The Chair asked for the opinion of a foster carer on the changes that have been made. Jackie Howell stated that there were no longer levels of foster carers and that all carers were expected to take in emergency placements. Jackie Howell had concerns though that these emergency placements had to be in the interest and safety of children that were already in situ. She had an understanding of the expectations of foster carers and had received good support. The Officer agreed with the comments made and that dialogue with foster carers would continue to ensure that the right matches were made and that support continued.

RESOLVED

That the members of the committee note the efforts made by officers to choose appropriate resources for looked after children, including our more difficult to place children and unaccompanied asylum seeking children.