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.

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 award was to support the work of TH approved independent foster carers by providing a range of support e.g. advocacy.

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.

RESOLVED

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.

Ishara Tewary, Fostering Development Team Manager, Children Services stated the Directorate had in the past made ex-gratia payments to the Tower Hamlets Foster Carers Association (THFCA) however was now seeking to award a grant of £6,000 as per the decision to by the Council to treat the payment as a grant.

She said the THFCA provided many benefits and was a voice for all foster carers and foster children.  The Association provided advocating and mediation services and was an invaluable resource to the Fostering and Children’s Services Directorate. They provided comment and support on the effective delivery of the fostering service and were vital partners when consulting on fostering policy and procedure either locally or nationally. 

Ms Tewary said that grant funding would help them continue to provide support to foster carers and foster children alike.

Members of the Sub-Committee made the following comments and asked questions in relation to the report:

·         Does the THFCA have a written constitution? They are doing an excellent job.

·         Do they support all foster carers or just Tower Hamlet registered foster carers?

·         This is another example where is it not easily identifiable as to whether this is a grant or a service which is commissioned.

Members of the Sub-Committee AGREED to recommend to the Grants Determination Sub-Committee to:

1.    Award the Tower Hamlets Foster Carers Association Committee an annual grant of £6,000 in order to conduct their role and responsibilities in supporting and advocating for the foster carers and foster children.

2.    Delegate to the Corporate Director: Children, 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.