Agenda item - Foster Care Placements

Report of the Executive Director Families Children & Learning

RESOLVED: That the Committee:

(i)             Granted delegated authority to the Executive Director of Families, Children & Learning to:

(1)  take all necessary steps to procure and award a hybrid framework agreement jointly with East Sussex County Council (ESCC), but led by ESCC, for the provision of foster care placements in the independent sector for an initial term of four (4) years commencing on 1 April 2023 with an option to extend for up to a further two (2) years and providing for the re-opening of the agreement to new applications on the second and fourth anniversary of the term commencement i.e. on 1 April 2025 and 1 April 2027, and

(2)  Procure and award call off contracts and individual placement agreements from the hybrid framework agreement outlined at (1) above.

(ii)            Agreed that an up-date be given to the CYPS committee in April 2024 and a report given in April 2025 on the performance of the hybrid framework agreement with ESCC for the provision of foster care placements in the independent sector.

9.1      The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director Families Children & Learning regarding the procurement of a hybrid framework agreement and the award of the hybrid framework agreement and individual placement agreements, for foster care placements in the independent sector.

9.2      Cllr O’Quinn sought clarification regarding the allocation of the weekly payment of £826 to independent foster care agencies. The Children’s Placement Manager advised the agency receives this payment to manage the placement, including training of the foster care parents and supervisions, with a percentage – which is determined by the agency – allocated to the foster parents as an allowance. The Executive Director Families Children & Learning also noted there is an element of profit as whilst the payment covers the outlined costs, very few independent foster agencies are not for profit, which is why placing local children with Brighton and Hove carers in the city is a priority.

9.3      Cllr O’Quinn also queried how the allocation of financial support operates in line with the individual special needs of the foster child. The Children’s Placement Manager confirmed £826 is an average as the amount paid is dependent on the referral sent to the agency and varies across agencies and age brackets.

9.4      Cllr Lloyd asked if the hybrid framework would increase the number of in-house carers within the city. The Assistant Director Children’s Safeguarding & Care advised this is the aim. As the framework runs jointly with East Sussex County Council there will be increased awareness that placements are needed across Sussex which should promote an increase across the area, if not within the city. However, given the national shortage of foster carers, the framework may not guarantee an increase in placements but would cap finances to limit further costs where supply does not meet demand.

9.5      Cllr Grimshaw questioned how the cost-of-living crisis has been factored into allowances, particularly to ensure foster care families in Brighton and Hove can cover rising expenses. The Assistant Director Children’s Safeguarding & Care explained that where foster parents become dissatisfied with the independent foster agency, they come to us. Currently, we offer an annual uplift with an additional 5% to reflect the cost-of-living crisis and so, where agencies do not respect the impact of the crisis on carers, the team would work with the family to move across to the Local Authority.

9.6      Cllr Brown noted that we are not currently charged by East Sussex County Council for access to the framework and wondered if this arrangement will continue and if there will be any notable contractual changes. The Children’s Placement Manager confirmed there is no plan to pay a fee as we work jointly with East Sussex and offer resources including evaluation, moderation, specifications, and variations.

9.7      Cllr Brown also queried if we pay West Sussex County Council and Southampton City Council for access to these frameworks. The Children’s Placement Manager advised no fee is paid to West Sussex whereas with Southampton we would be required to pay a fee should we chose to go down that route because we were unable to meet our requirements via East Sussex.

9.8      RESOLVED: That the Committee:

(i)             Granted delegated authority to the Executive Director of Families, Children & Learning to:

(1)  take all necessary steps to procure and award a hybrid framework agreement jointly with East Sussex County Council (ESCC), but led by ESCC, for the provision of foster care placements in the independent sector for an initial term of four (4) years commencing on 1 April 2023 with an option to extend for up to a further two (2) years and providing for the re-opening of the agreement to new applications on the second and fourth anniversary of the term commencement i.e. on 1 April 2025 and 1 April 2027, and

(2)  Procure and award call off contracts and individual placement agreements from the hybrid framework agreement outlined at (1) above.

(ii)            Agreed that an up-date be given to the CYPS committee in April 2024 and a report given in April 2025 on the performance of the hybrid framework agreement with ESCC for the provision of foster care placements in the independent sector.