To note the submitted report which summaries the performance of the Torbay Fostering Service during 2017/18.

Members considered the submitted report which summarised the performance of the Torbay Fostering Service between April 2017 and March 2018.  Members noted that the number of looked after at the end of March 2018 was 325 equating to a rate of 129 children and young people per 10,000 population.  As a comparison at the end of March 2017 the number after was 284, this equated to a rate of 114 per 10,000 population.

Members were advised that the number of carers had declined year on year since 2014/15 and that the Ofsted inspection in June 2018 provided clear analysis of the weaknesses within the Fostering Service.  Members were assured the concerns raised by Ofsted would be addressed and the Annual Report for 2018-19 would provide information on how the Service was performing.  In addition the Fostering Sufficiency Strategy and supporting Recruitment Strategy would be published in February with a view to addressing the capacity issues within the in house service.