The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (People) on the activities of Children’s Services, 2016/17 and for the first 6 months of 2017/18.  The report also provided a review of the updated Statements of Purpose for Adoption & Fostering, in line with Standard 18.3 of the Adoption National Minimum Standards and Standard 16 of the Fostering National Minimum Standards. 

It was noted that this was the first report of this nature and covered an 18 month period. Future reports will be provided on a bi-annual basis.

On consideration of the report, the Chairman referred to the excellent children’s services and conveyed his thanks to the relevant staff for their sterling work

Resolved:-

1.  That the Bi-Annual Report, set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be noted.

2.  That the updated Statements of Purpose, set out in Appendices 2 & 3, be approved.

Reasons for Decision

The new format will allow for Fostering and Adoption regulations to be fully met, whilst ensuring that Members have a clear overall picture of children’s services in Southend and how these two services are embedded in the wider service.  The Adoption and Fostering Statements of Purpose have been updated and require approval.

Other Options

To continue to present a number of independent reports to meet the statutory requirement for fostering and adoption services, to present a report to the Executive twice yearly and to update the Statement of Purpose annually.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call in to People Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor: Courtenay.