Fostering an improved service Rotherham

An inspection report into the Council's Fostering Service rated the overall service as "satisfactory", saying that actions had been taken on recommendations from the last inspection meaning the service was improving.

The inspectors also rated as "good" under the categories of helping children to 'be healthy', 'achieve well and enjoy what they do', 'make a positive contribution' and 'achieve economic well-being'.

Among the areas highlighted in the report are:

- The restructure of the Fostering Service which has "significantly improved its ability to provide an effective service"
- good quality training for foster carers and good health advice and support for carers and children.
- The good work of the Looked After Children's Nurse and the Leaving Care Service
- Effective work to place children with carers who are appropriate to meet their needs
- "Effective process for the safe recruitment of staff"
- Good support for children with disabilities and complex needs
- The "very good support" from the 'Get Real Team' which provides educational support for Looked After Children.
- The promotion of equality and diversity and the Council's work to approve foster carers from a range of backgrounds
- Well maintained records of children in care.

The inspectors have made recommendations to help tighten some procedures to ensure that all national guidelines are met and improve the quality monitoring of cases and tackle any issues more effectively.

Councillor Paul Lakin, Cabinet Member for Safeguarding and Developing Learning Opportunities for Children, said: "This is another positive step for our Fostering Service and reflects their hard work along with that of all our foster carers and young people.

"Like our Safeguarding and Looked After Children inspection this report shows we have the foundations in place now to continue to improve our service and provide the best possible support for these vulnerable children and young people."