The Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee of Haringey Council met on Thursday, 11th July 2024, to discuss performance reports, placement stability, and the corporate parenting strategy. Key discussions included the performance of children in care, the stability of their placements, and ongoing efforts to recruit and support foster carers.

Performance Report

The committee received an update on the performance of children in care, noting that there were 334 children in care at the end of the first quarter, the same as in June. The number of Unaccompanied Asylum Seekers (UAS) remained steady at 26. The category of 'Children Coming into Care Aged Three and Under' was at 42, a slight increase from March but lower than in 2022-23. Reasons for children entering care showed a significant shift, with 'Abuse and Neglect' accounting for 60% of cases, a substantial increase from the previous year, while 'Families Under Acute Stress' dropped to 6%.

Regarding care plans, 77% of looked-after children under 16 had up-to-date care plans, and 67% of 16 and 17-year-olds had up-to-date pathway plans. Personal Education Plans (PEPs) were performing well, with 95% being up-to-date. Placement stability showed improvement, with 8% of children experiencing three or more moves in the past two years, down from 10% previously. The number of children under 16 who had been in the same placement for at least two years, having been in care for 2.5 years or more, increased to 57%. Health assessments were largely up-to-date at 94%, but dental visits remained a concern at 79%.

All care leavers under 21 had an allocated personal advisor, with 95% being in touch with the service. Education, Employment, or Training (EET) figures showed 48% of the older cohort and 52% of 17 and 18-year-olds engaged in EET. Suitable accommodation was provided for 95% of care leavers. The number of Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) requests remained similar to the previous year, with 28% already having an EHCP. The Virtual School reported strong results, comparable to other London boroughs with similar demographics, attributed to joint working between the Virtual School, SEND, and Children's Services.

Concerns were raised about the increasing number of children entering care due to abuse and neglect, with discussions highlighting the compounding effects of mental health issues, substance abuse, disability, learning disabilities, the cost-of-living crisis, poor housing, and emotional stress caused by financial issues. The complexity of issues faced by young adults in care was also noted, with increasing severe mental health issues and a need for collaboration with Adult Services. A request was made for more detailed information on the EET figures, including the breakdown of categories and future offers. A new project focusing on care leavers was initiated, with a presentation planned for the next meeting.

Stability Panel Update

The committee received an update on the stability of placements for children in Haringey's care. The Placement Stability Panel, formed in 2020, aims to minimise placement disruptions and breakdowns. The panel comprises representatives from various services, including virtual schools, health services, and social workers. Referrals come from in-house fostering, residential provision, and independent fostering agencies (IFAs).

The report highlighted that placement instability can hinder a child's ability to form secure attachments. While the council aims to place children with connected persons (friends or relatives) first, placements should ideally be close to home and not disrupt education. Short-term stability, measured by three or more placements in a year, saw 10 children affected in 2023-2024, which is in line with the national average but slightly below neighbouring boroughs. Long-term stability, for children under 16 in the same placement for at least 2.5 years, saw 71 children experiencing this, in line with national statistics but slightly lower than the national average.

The report noted that IFAs are increasingly taking on children with more complex needs, with an average weekly cost of £1300 per IFA placement compared to £450 for an in-house placement. The council's ability to influence IFAs is less than with in-house placements. There is a need for collaborative work and potential therapeutic support from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). The berry tool was mentioned as a resource for matching children with permanency planning. A request was made for a cost analysis comparison between IFA and in-house fostering costs, and for an update on the Josh MacAlister report concerning the private market and standards. An update on broader strategic changes to the Stability Panel was also requested for the next meeting.

Review of Corporate Parenting Strategy

The committee discussed the Corporate Parenting Strategy 2023-26, focusing on increasing the capacity of in-house foster carers to meet the diverse needs of children in care. Key priorities include ensuring carers are adequately trained and supported, increasing in-house placements to reduce reliance on independent foster carers, and recruiting carers from diverse backgrounds.

Haringey has seen an increase in in-house foster carers, driven by a recruitment strategy that includes outreach into the community and a competitive benefits package. The team aims to recruit and approve eight new foster carers this year, increasing overall capacity by thirty. Specialised foster carers, including those with expertise in disabilities, are also being developed. In 2023, the team recruited ten mainstream and connected carers, ten Regulation 24 carers, and increased capacity for two more children within existing placements, resulting in a total capacity increase of thirty. In 2024, ten mainstream carers and six connected carers were approved, with eighteen children placed with thirteen Regulation 24 carers, exceeding the target by forty-three children.

Partnership work with Islington Council has been beneficial, particularly in finding carers for older children and emergency placements. The committee noted the importance of targeting older individuals as potential foster carers and discussed the payment of Kinship Carers (referred to as Connected Carers in Haringey), with clarification that they are treated the same as regular foster carers. The Director of Children's Services highlighted new statutory guidance regarding this, and the council's offer will be reviewed against it. The committee viewed a marketing film produced by the team and other local boroughs to recruit foster carers, which was described as outstanding.

Care Leavers to be Considered a Protected Characteristic Under Equality Act 2010

The Assistant Director of Safeguarding and Social Care provided a verbal update on Corporate Parenting Week, scheduled for 24th-29th October, aimed at raising awareness of children in care and Haringey Council's responsibilities. The week will include opportunities for collaboration with local authorities, showcasing successful strategies, and promoting participation from elected members.

Planned activities include cooking sessions with ASPIRE, workshops, training sessions, and opportunities to highlight foster care stories. Information stalls on fostering, schools, and partner organisations will be present. Total Respect training sessions and a Proud to Be Me cooking event, prepared by young people in care, are also planned. The event aims to highlight the challenges faced by young people, strengthen partner support, and reiterate Haringey's commitment to young people in care. A request was made for the invitation to the cookery club sessions to be circulated to all members.