Decision details

Placement Sufficiency Strategy for Children and Young People 2023 - 2028

Decision Maker: Cabinet member children and young people

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To adopt the Placement Sufficiency Strategy for Children and Young People, to ensure Herefordshire Council are compliant with section 22G of the Children Act 1989 (‘the 1989 Act’).

Decision:

That:

 

(A) The Placement Sufficiency Strategy for Children and Young People 2023 - 2028 (Appendix 1) is approved.

 

(B) The programme of activity proposed in order to meet expected levels of demand for 2023 - 2028 and the development of a robust mechanism for delivery is endorsed (Appendix 2).

 

(C) The Corporate Director for Children and Young People be authorised to take all operational decisions necessary to implement the programme of activity within approved budgets.

Alternative options considered:

Alternative options:

 

1. Continue with the 2019-2024 placement sufficiency strategy. This option is not recommended as the proposed 2023-2028 strategy has been informed by an updated needs analysis with priorities that are relevant to current and projected demand. A new strategy is required from April 2024.

 

2. Dispense with a placement sufficiency strategy. This option is not recommended, as it would place the council at risk of not meeting its statutory duties.

Wards Affected: (All Wards);

Consultees

Social care
Education
Commissioning.
Senior Leadership Teams
Corporate Parenting board

All activities proposed will have care experienced young people involved in the development of options, planning, review and development of new arrangements to ensure next steps are effective in achieving what is needed by them.


Contact: Zoe Richards, Head of Service, Starting Well Email: zoe.richards@herefordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01432 383873, Laura Beaumont, Project Manager Email: Laura.Beaumont2@herefordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01432 383143.

Publication date: 23/08/2023

Date of decision: 23/08/2023

Effective from: 31/08/2023

Accompanying Documents: