Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Director of Children’s Services providing the Corporate Parenting Board with an overview of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, specifically the impact that this will have on the Children in Care Service.

The Board received a presentation from the Director of Children’s Services providing an overview of the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, specifically the impact that this will have on the Children in Care Service.

The Board heard that the Scheme had been opened up to include unaccompanied minors who wish to travel to the UK without a parent or guardian.

It was explained that if children no longer remain with a sponsor, which is seen as a private fostering arrangement, they could become ‘looked after’ and be the responsibility of the Local Authority.

At the time of writing the report, 17 names had been provided to the County Council by the Home Office to assess. However, the Board heard that the number fluctuates and although relatively low so far, it was difficult to anticipate numbers moving forward.

The officer explained that the Government provides an additional grant to the Local Authority to support these Looked After children, the amount of which will be reviewed after year one.

As a result of questions, members heard that

·         The costs when a child comes into care for a Local Authority are significantly different to those of host families. For example a placement has to be funded, and a social worker and independent reviewing officer are required to be appointed.

·         The team are looking at the needs of Ukrainian children and mindful of the impact of the trauma and looking to gain advice from partner agencies to help support children.

The Board summarised ‘that we will look after these children as if they were our own’.

Resolved:

The Corporate Parenting Board noted the content of this report.