The Corporate Parenting Panel of Lincolnshire Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 17 September 2026 to review a range of reports concerning the welfare and development of children in the council's care. Key discussions are expected to focus on performance data for children in care, annual reports from the Fostering and Adoption services, and an overview of the panel's own activity over the past year.

Children in Care Performance Report Quarter 1

The panel is scheduled to consider key performance information for the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year concerning children in care. This report, prepared by Tara Jones, Assistant Director – Children's Safeguarding, invites the panel to review performance data relevant to their oversight role. The report includes detailed metrics on various aspects of care, such as the average time between a child entering care and moving in with an adoptive family, the stability of placements, and the percentage of children with up-to-date health and dental checks. It also highlights performance in areas related to young people's readiness for adult life, including participation in learning and access to suitable accommodation.

Fostering Service Annual Report and Statement of Purpose

Nicola Brangam, Head of Service – Fostering, Adoption and Leaving Care, will present the Fostering Service Annual Report for 2025-26 and the Statement of Purpose for 2026-27. The annual report details the activity and performance of the Fostering Service over the past year, covering areas such as recruitment and retention of foster carers, the number of fostering households, and the demographics of both carers and children in care. The Statement of Purpose outlines the service's aims, objectives, and principles, including its commitment to providing high-quality, safe care in family settings and ensuring a range of foster carers are available to meet the diverse needs of children in care.

Adoption Service Annual Report and Statement of Purpose

Nicola Brangam will also present the Adoption Service Annual Report for 2025-26 and the Statement of Purpose for 2026-27. The annual report details the activity and performance of the Adoption Service over the past year, including adopter recruitment, the children's journey through the adoption process, and post-order support. The Statement of Purpose outlines the service's aims and objectives, emphasising the belief that adoption is a positive alternative for children when remaining within their birth families is not possible, enabling them to grow within a stable and loving family. The report highlights the service's participation in the regional partnership, Family Adoption Links, which aims to deliver excellence in all aspects of adoption.

Annual Report of Corporate Parenting Panel Activity

Paul Fisher, Corporate Parenting Manager, will present the Annual Report of Corporate Parenting Panel Activity for 2025-26. This report provides an overview of the information presented to the panel throughout the year, highlighting progress made and challenges encountered in the provision of care, support, and attainment for children in care. The report details key themes reviewed by the panel, including support to remain with family, stability and permanence, building and maintaining relationships, learning, education and aspirations, health and resilience, and safe and suitable accommodation. It also covers work undertaken by Leaving Care Services and the outcomes of thematic meetings.

2025-26 Annual Report: Lincolnshire Children in Care and Care Leavers Council - Voices for Choices (V4C)

Julie Vincent, Team Manager – Quality and Standards, will present the annual report on the work of Voices for Choices (V4C) and wider participation activity during July 2025 to June 2026. The report details how care-experienced children and young people are supported to share their views and how these views influence service delivery and strategic decision-making. It outlines the participation model, engagement methods, and the impact of contributions on commissioning decisions, accommodation services, fostering recruitment, and transitional safeguarding. The report also highlights the development of participation structures, including the Champion Group and Ambassador Programme, and identifies key challenges and next steps for strengthening participation.

Corporate Parenting Panel Work Programme

Emily Wilcox, Senior Democratic Services Officer, will present the Corporate Parenting Panel's work programme for the coming year. This item allows the panel to consider and comment on the planned scrutiny activity, ensuring it remains focused and adds value. The work programme includes scheduled reviews of Children in Care performance reports, annual reports from various services including Fostering, Adoption, and Leaving Care, as well as thematic meetings on topics such as Life Stories and Keeping Well and Keeping Safe . The panel will be invited to note the programme and suggest any additional activities for consideration.