Purpose

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

Decision

(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.