To request that the Tower Hamlets Foster Carers Association committee is awarded a grant to provide support and advocacy for children and foster carers in Tower Hamlets

A grant is needed because this enables them to offer support such as events and activities (social and sporting) to children in foster care and their carers.

The money is also used to pay expenses for a monthly meeting with Childrens Directorate to raise any issues and concerns and consult on any policy and procedural changes in the department relating to fostering and children in care. They also support foster carers around complaints and allegations and assist in the recruitment and retention of foster carers.

The Team Manager, Fostering Team presented the report which concerned a new grant to Tower Hamlets Foster Carers Association; this award was previously administered as an ex-gratia payment.

The Chair invited the Chair of GSSC to comment on the report and he indicated that proposal was supported.  The Chair then invited GDSC Members to comment on the report and they indicated that they had no additional comments that they wished to make.

DECISION

1.            That Tower Hamlets Foster Carers Association Committee be awarded an annual grant of £6000 in order to conduct their role and responsibilities in supporting and advocating for the foster carers and foster children.

2.            That the Corporate Director: Children, be delegated authority to make future annual grant awards to Tower Hamlets Foster Carers Association (THFCA).

3.            That it be noted that awards to THFCA will be reported to the Grants Determination Sub Committee as part of the annual Grants Register report.