Issue details

Cabinet is recommended to agree the recommendations for modernising the fostering service, following a comprehensive review that examined all aspects of the service and potential solutions to the declining number of current foster carers and the increasing number of Children in Our Care with more complex needs.

The proposal aims to build sufficiency within the mainstream fostering service by:
· Actively encouraging new individuals to take on the role of fostering.
· Retaining the existing cohort of foster carers.
· Meeting the diverse needs of children in our care.
· Ensuring children can remain in Stockton, provided it is safe to do so.
· Reducing the number of children placed with external providers, both costly residential and IFAs; and reduce the number of children placed in unregulated care arrangements.