Decision details

Lancashire County Council's Foster Carers' Charter represents the Local Authority's commitment to its role as a Corporate Parent. The document details the roles and responsibilities of the Corporate Parenting Board, the Fostering Service, and the Foster Carers.

Barbara Bath, Head of Fostering, Adoption, Residential and Youth Offending Team updated the Board on Lancashire County Council's Foster Carers' Charter which represents the commitment of the Local Authority in its role as a Corporate Parent.  The Charter was introduced by the Government in 2011 with principles for the child/children, local authorities and fostering services and also foster carers.  Lancashire's first Charter was developed in 2011 and has been updated periodically since.  The Board were presented with the latest updated version for information and comment.

It was suggested that there should be details included in the Charter around an expectation for a young person who goes beyond 18 on "Staying Put" arrangements or permanence.  Barbara agreed to look at including wording for flexibility.

The Fostering Annual Report with all the facts and figures would be presented to the Board at a future meeting.  Lancashire's Children in Care Council would have access to the report and they should dissect the report with Barnardo's, in their forums and bring questions back to the Board on behalf of all the children in care across Lancashire.

Resolved:  That the Board members reviewed and noted Lancashire County Council's Foster Carers' Charter and that Barbara Bath would consider amending the Charter following the Boards comments.