Linda Hughes (Head of Service
for Looked after Children) presented a report which updated OSC on
the work of the Fostering and Adoption Services since August 2017.
It provided information relating to the work undertaken by the
Fostering and Adoption Services and statistics relating to the
recruitment of foster carers and adopters, as well as Orders
relating to children placed with adopters and special
guardians.
The following was
highlighted:
- The
regionalisation of adoption agencies, which is a government
initiative, is progressing. The current consortium which includes
Enfield consists of six boroughs and will become the Regional
Adoption Agency for North London.
- Fostering allowances for Enfield have been reviewed for second
and subsequent children. This now aligns with other local
authorities. It is important as a means
of encouraging the fostering of sibling groups.
The following issues/ questions
were raised:
- In
answer to whether we have a sufficient number of foster carers and
adopters it was answered that marketing is undertaken to ensure
that we have adequate numbers. As there
are a lot of houses with bedrooms in the borough this helps in the
caring for Enfield children within the area.
- A
question was asked about independent agencies and whether there was
a reason why we did not let the private sector take on the work of
the fostering process. Linda stated that by using our own foster
carers our staff are able to carry out
assessments, which are undertaken in the same building as the
council’s Looked After Children(LAC) service. This helps in
the continuity of care and the keeping of friendship groups. Our
staff then carry out the monitoring process. It should be remembered that this is also the more
cost- effective means of providing this service.
- It was
noted that an additional 15 plus foster carers are to be recruited
and assessed for 2018/19. In the
previous year we appointed only 4 adopters, as we already had a
number on our list and wished to avoid disappointment for any
potential adopters.
- We
have a commitment that for children under 10 years of age, we
ensure sibling groups are kept together.
- It was
asked if the increasing mental health problems experienced by young
people was impacting on the service.
Linda agreed that there were more instances of this, but that
fortunately, we were able to respond as we have specialist support
– Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) within
the LAC service and that there is no waiting list.
- The
implementation date of the new Regional Adoption Agency for North
London is April 2019. Councillor Levy asked if this has had an
impact on recruitment? It was thought
the original plan to have a London wide agency was seen to be
unrealistic as it was too large an area. A new manager was now taking this scheme forward
and listening events have been organised. Linda said the team are
pragmatic, and realise that they may not
be based in Enfield in the future.
- In
answer to a question about the placement of children with adopters
of different ethnicity it was stated there was no reason why we
would not do this. Our primary objective is to ensure a
child’s needs are met.
Linda Hughes was thanked for
her report.