To awardshort-term interimcontracts to the existing service providers to deliver aShared Accommodation Service forChildren in Care and Care Leaversaged 16-21 from1 March 2018 to 31August 2018 and award a new contract for a Shared Accommodation Service for Children in Care and Care Leavers aged 16-21 from 24 October 2017 to 31 October 2022
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or savings of more than £1m;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: (All Division);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 26/09/2017
Decision due: Not before 24th Oct 2017 by Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education
Reason: in order that the proposed decision can be published for a minimum of 28 days, in accordance with statutory requirements
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education
Lead director: Vincent Godfrey
Department: Social Care, Health & Wellbeing
Contact: Karen Mills, Commissioning Manager 03000 416486 Email: karen.mills@kent.gov.uk Tel: 01622 694531.
Consultees
The proposed decision was discussed by the Children’s, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee on 7 September 2017 and the minute of that discussion is set out in the attached signed record of decision (ROD).
The County Council sought views on different ways to deliver services to meet these outcomes through the public consultation ‘Proposed Changes to Kent’s Supported Accommodation and Floating Support Services’ between Monday 30 November 2015 and Monday 8 February 2016
Financial implications: The value of these contracts is £1.8 million; however, spend for 2016/17 was approximately £4.4m. This service is largely funded from the Home Office grant.
Legal implications: The Council has a statutory duty to provide suitable and safe accommodation that has the right level of support for Children in Care (including UASC) in accordance with the Children’s Act 1989. The Council must provide Care Leavers (including former UASC) with support and financial support to assist in promoting their welfare, especially in relation to maintaining suitable accommodation and promoting education and training.
Equalities implications: An EQIA assessment has been undertaken and a low weighting has been determined. The EQIA supports the intention to diversify provision according to individual needs of service users.