Purpose

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

Content

(a)       That the initiatives
aimed at expanding in-house general fostering households be
approved.  This work aims to increase
local placements for children and reduce dependency on high-cost
Independent Agency Fostering;
 
(b)       That the outcomes of
the Mockingbird programme in Flintshire be evaluated, and the
schemes expansion to build a resilient, flexible cohort of foster
carers through peer support and networked care be endorsed;
 
(c)        That 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 be supported; and
 
(d)       That the plan to
increase the Special Guardianship service be endorsed so more
children looked after remain with connected carers under
arrangements that promote stability and continuity of care.