Agenda item

Reviewed ‘Cardiff Offer’

Increase in fee element of payment

Raised allowance elements to at least national minimum rates

54 weekly payments per year

Payments for birthdays, holidays and religious holidays

Introduced performance monitoring

Introduction of significant online activity

Review of website

Social media campaign with paid ads on Facebook & Google, plus regular features on Council Facebook and Twitter pages

Commitment from PSB to promote via their online platforms

Registered Social Landlords promoting via online platforms

Banners in parks throughout the City

Fostering referrals from Hubs and Into Work Services

Adverts in Tenants Times and UHB magazine

Briefing for Councillors to share online

Attendance at events throughout the City ie, Cardiff Castle, Ikea and Community Events

Developed links with Pride UK, commitment to share info via online

Supported by Corporate Comms Officer

Impact – 28 new in house applications in progress, approved 7 new foster carers since January 2019, further 6 new in house foster carers due at Panel before Christmas.

Members discussed in-house fostering and the rates provided.  It was noted that Cardiff has 20% in-house and 80% independent fostering agencies (IFA;s), but that across Wales the higher figures was in-house.  Members were advised that to be able to compete with the IFA’s the authority has to be able to market itself and operate as a business.  Any rates that are paid have to be competitive, although overall what is being provided to in-house foster carers is not much different.

The in-house team is currently trying to be more business-like in its approach to new applicants.  Approaches made by carers are being responded to in a proactive manor.  There are now targets which mean any contact is to be made by the team within 24 hours. 

The assessment time is currently 6 – 8 months, the team is currently operating from two different venues.  This will change shortly and when the teams are together there will be a review of the admin involved to ensure that the application is being moved forward in as timely a manor as possible.

In relation to the number of children and young people with IFA’s Members queried the percentage that were out of county, that information could not be accurately provided, but it was understood that the majority were within the city.  It was explained that some would be out of the city because they have to be for safety reasons. 

Members raised the fact that there have been difficulties in recruitment for a long period of time.  The Cabinet Member advised that the difficulties were outlined to the Committee at least 2 years ago, however there are now some 28 ongoing assessments  being undertaken and there is more investment currently that in previous years.  The Committee previously raised issues with performance targets and these have been changed. There is currently a £3.9m funding gap in Social Services, there has to be further investment in the service and Welsh Government are contacted about it on a regular basis.  

A new OM has been appointed and has been in post since September of last year.  In terms of marketing there is a lot happening, a review is still ongoing, dealing particularly with whether or not the marketing is focussed and whether the message is right.  There is a need to tidy up and validate the number of foster carers and placements available.  There is a commitment to ensuring that there are foster placements available.

Members discussed the number of placements that had broken down.  It would appear that there were 10 in house placements and 87 external placements that broke down during the course of the last year.  Everything possible is being done to prevent that happening.