Havering Council is addressing communication challenges with its foster carers following feedback from departing carers, according to discussions at a recent Corporate Parenting Panel meeting.

The need for improved communication was highlighted during a presentation by the Head of Corporate Parenting and Fostering Service Manager. The presentation revealed that while four new households had been approved as in-house carers this financial year, and five more were undergoing assessment, four resignations had occurred, primarily due to retirements. The meeting information stated that communication issues have been raised as a concern by some departing carers.

Currently, Havering has 95 in-house foster carers. This comes as the number of Children in Care increased by 19% during 2023/24, from 235 at 30 April 2023 up to 280 at 31 March 2024, followed by stabilisation between April and August 2024.

In response to the concerns raised, the service has outlined several improvements, including:

  • Timeliness of Assessment Process: Starting Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and medicals as soon as suitability is determined, with a target to approve at least 12 households (possibly 14) by March next year.
  • Improved Communication: Holding daily meetings with the placements team to improve sufficiency and ensure effective matching, encouraging verbal communication over excessive emails, and holding weekly meetings to review carers on hold.

The council also discussed the importance of retaining existing foster carers, recognising that issues such as communication and consistency are major concerns. The Fostering Independent Reviewing Officer (FIRO) annual report highlighted key targets, including an increase in the use of midway reviews to check in with foster carers and provide support as needed, and enhanced collection of feedback from young people and partner agencies to improve fostering services.

Other initiatives to support children in care were also outlined, including Local Community Fostering, Mockingbird, Fostering Friendly, and Supported Lodgings.

The supplementary agenda for the meeting included the Corporate Parenting Panel Annual Report.