Plans that will make it quicker and easier for children to be fostered are due to go before cabinet on Monday 28 November.
The proposed fostering framework contract expands on Birmingham’s earlier contract with independent providers, identified by the government as ‘best practice’ and now used by other local authorities.
The council’s internal pool of foster carers will still account for the majority of placements, however if a child cannot be properly matched internally, the council will be able to call upon the services of 25 different providers to find the best possible foster carer.
The new contract will expand to provide foster care with additional support for vulnerable children needing more intensive support, such as girls at risk of sexual exploitation, who might otherwise have been placed in children’s homes.
Councillor Matt Bennett, executive member for children’s social care, said: “The city is committed to its fostering service but where we cannot meet the needs of the child then this contract means we will have quick access to the carers of independent providers of foster care to find someone who can match the needs of the child.
“This will help to make it easier and quicker to find children in care the best possible foster family for them, while still using the expertise and experience of our social workers.”
The contract focuses on the aspects of foster care that are needed to provide better outcomes for children.
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I do think it is an excellent idea to fast track the fostering system. we have professionals who work within the safeguarding system who are wiling to foster children who they have dealings with and no one else is prepared to take on the challenges of some young people, because of behavioural issues.