Decision details

To review the decision made in January 2019 to remove the alignment of the annual Foster Carer fee uplift with the annual salary uplift for CYC Children Social Worker staff. This decision resulted in the removal of the Foster Care fee uplift.

Resolved: (i) That Option 1 be approved and the recommendations of the independent review be adopted in full, as follows:

a.   The council to set out a clear framework for consultation and communication on future decisions on foster carer uplifts, fees and allowances.

b.   The council and York Area Foster Carer Association (YAFCA) to agree a communications strategy to include future developments planned by the council, future consultations and clear channels for YAFCA to raise concerns.

c.   The council to consider implementing the uplift for 2019/20 for those foster carers on level one and two, to strengthen the recruitment strategy.

d.   The council, in partnership with YAFCA, to host an annual conference for foster carers.

e.   YAFCA to consider how as an organisation it can reach all foster carers to offer support and positive working relationships with the council.

f.     The council to consider non-monetary awards for long standing foster carers.

(ii) That any alternative models of reimbursement be dealt with under the consultation framework referred to in point a. above and that an evaluation of the review and the consultation framework, with quantifiable outcomes to consider, be brought back to the Executive Member.

Reason:     To ensure that independent best practice is followed.