Decision details

New terms of reference for the Corporate Parenting Panel are proposed in order to deliver a more outward-focused Panel and to ensure that the voice of the child is central to all its work.  It is recommended that new terms of reference be agreed by the County Council as soon as possible, to ensure the best outcomes are being achieved for children looked after and care leavers in West Sussex at the earliest opportunity.  The key change is the proposal to widen the membership to become a multi-agency advisory panel, with members including a representative of Independent Reviewing Officers, a Foster Carer, Chairman or Vice Chairman of the West Sussex Foster Carer Association, a member of the Children in Care Council and a Care Leaver. These changes will be reviewed in six months and during this time it is proposed that there is consultation with the Children in Care Council to seek its views on how the Panel operates.

The Director of Law and Assurance has therefore used his powers under Standing Order 3.45(d), in consultation with the Chairman of the Governance Committee, to take the decision set out below.

That the new terms of reference and membership of the Corporate Parenting Panel be endorsed for recommendation to the County Council on 5 April 2019.

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