At this week’s meeting of Medway Council’s Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the annual Fostering Service Report celebrated the exceptional performance of the fostering service here in Medway.
Under Conservative leadership, there has been a large increase in fostering applications and subsequently overall carer numbers. An increase in the numbers of foster carers is allowing Medway Council to deliver the very best outcomes for vulnerable children and young people in the area, and in the 2016/17 year, there have been 19 approvals of new carers.
The service itself is also becoming more accessible, with the introduction of a new fostering website, as well as the adoption of the MoMo (Mind of My Own) app to support children and young people in placements in communicating their views. An innovative focus on training and development is providing support to carers directly, and stability has also increased across the service, with permanent staff in place. Specialisms and lead areas are beginning to emerge throughout Medway’s provision, including Parent and Child, teenagers, and therapeutic parenting.
Councillor Andrew Mackness, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services said:
‘I am extremely proud of the work that has been done across the fostering service to ensure that we are delivering an outstanding service and maximising opportunities for all young people here in Medway. The fantastic news shared with the Overview and Scrutiny Committee illustrates the great strides that are being made to fulfil the Council Plan’s aim of developing Children’s services to be a good service.
I would like to recognise and celebrate the work and dedication of all carers in Medway, and express my personal thanks for the often challenging role they assume in offering vulnerable children their tireless support.’