To review fostering service performance and approve related documents.

The statement of purpose (appendix D) be approved

It is a statutory responsibility for Cabinet to receive an annual fostering report, and approve the related documents to have oversight of the direction and priorities for Herefordshire children and ensure they receive good quality care form Herefordshire foster carers who are supported to keep children safe, enjoy a healthy lifestyle and attain good educational outcomes. The foster carer’s charter evidences the participation and engagement of foster carers in helping to improve outcomes for children. It provides clarity around expectations and communication about concerns between Herefordshire fostering service to enable carers to look after complex children. The process stimulated foster carer representative roles and subsequently the setting up of a foster carers association. Increased communication and increased fundraising activity results in more support for children, carers and birth children of foster families.

It is open to Cabinet to identify further actions to address and under performance or drive improvement but in doing so regard must be had to the availability of resources.

There are no alternatives to adopting the Herefordshire foster carers’ charter and guide for young people looked after because they have been drawn up following engagement and consultation with Herefordshire foster carers and looked after children to shape the service they needed from Herefordshire Council.