Issue - items at meetings - Provision of Family Group Conferences

Report of the Strategic Director, People (copy attached)

            That the Cabinet Member:

            (1) Agrees to a tender process to procure provision of Family Group Conferences for the city;

            (2) Agrees the contract for Family Group Conferences from September 2012 to end of March 2015 with a break clause in March 2014;

            (3) Authorises the Strategic Director, People to approve the award of a contract to the selected provider following completion of the procurement process.

41.1    The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Strategic Director, People detailing proposals in relation to arrangements for family group conferences.

41.2    It was explained that Family Group Conferences were a concept which had originated in New Zealand where they had been used for many years and latterly, the US, Europe and the UK. They formed an integral part of the decision making process and future planning when a child or young person was in crisis. The term “family” could be defined very broadly to encompass family members and others well known by the child and to the family as well as members of their immediate family. Discussions would take place which would identify issues which needed to be covered by the Plan, following which there would be private family time in order to enable the family to come up with a plan. A partnership approach was adopted which enabled children to be maintained with support  within their own families and communities. An effective ;programme had operated in the City since 2002 and positive outcomes had been achieved. This approach was not appropriate in all cases but had been successful in instances where it could be used as a practical alternative to dealing with matters through the courts, or to a child being placed in care. Approval was sought to enter into a tender process for further provision from October 2012.

41.3    Councillor Marsh sought clarification regarding why this provision was being re-tendered for now and it was explained that previously tendering had been an annual process by setting it for a longer period (2 ½ years), it was hoped that this would build in a greater degree of stability. Whilst the existing arrangements had worked well, the authority was required to look at what was provided holistically.

41.4    Councillor Wealls sought clarification regarding the role of social workers and other professionals and. in terms of the costs associated with provision of this service. It was explained that although social workers were involved, the process was an independent one and as such because the family was pivotal in devising the resultant plan they were not present throughout the whole process. The cost of provision was not large and was cost effective in terms of the outcomes it was able to delivery in instances where consideration of this as an option was appropriate; also there were economies of scale in relation to contracts  entered into for a longer period.

41.5    RESOLVED - That the Cabinet Member:

            (1) Agrees to a tender process to procure provision of Family Group Conferences for the city;

            (2) Agrees the contract for Family Group Conferences from September 2012 to end of March 2015 with a break clause in March 2014;

            (3) Authorises the Strategic Director, People to approve the award of a contract to the selected provider following completion of the procurement process.