Background Information:
KCC currently has a two-year contract plus two-year extension with Catch 22 for the delivery of Supported Accommodation in a Family Environment (SAIFE) – officially known as Supported Lodgings provision. This contract is due to expire on 31st May 2020, having utilised the two-year extension.
The service provides 16-21-year-old young people who are in care or who are care leavers (aged 21-25 if in further education) with accommodation and support. This is delivered through a family setting, known as a “Host”, who provides guidance and support to the young person, with the aim of supporting them to independence. The current provider Catch 22 is contracted to recruit, train, manage and support the Hosts including any Staying Put arrangements, when a young person in Foster Care wishes to remain in situ after their 18th birthday under Kent County Councils Staying Put Policy. The Foster Carer will convert to a Host and will be managed by Catch 22. Young People placed in this accommodation have their own room in the Hosts family home and will be given support by the adult(s) in the home.
There are three levels of support (Standard, Complex and Intensive) which are based on the number of hours required each week to support the Young People.
The annual contract value is £335,976 for management costs and approximately £1.9 million for support costs/rent, which varies each year as this figure is based on demand. Young people are expected to claim eligible benefits including universal credit and housing benefit to contribute towards the costs of the provision.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Affects more than two Electoral Divisions;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: (All Division);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 24/02/2020
Decision due: Not before 31st Mar 2020 by Cabinet Member for Integrated Children's Services
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 Integrated Children's Services
Lead director: Sarah Hammond
Department: Education & Young People's Services
Contact: Christy Holden, Head of Children's Commissioning Tel: 03000415356 (CH) or 03000415091 (CS), Caroline Smith, Assistant Director, Corporate Parenting, Integrated Children's Services Email: caroline.smith@kent.gov.uk Tel: 03000 415091.
Consultees
There is no planned wider public consultation. Consultation has been completed directly to the current hosts, to explore their opinions and views of transferring to be supported by either Kent County Council or an alternative provider. This consultation has been positively received with no adverse responses received to a proposed change to the management of the current scheme.
This matter was discussed at the Children’s, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee meeting on 11th March 2020.
Financial implications: The annual contract value is £335,976 for management costs and approximately £1.9 million for support costs/rent, which varies each year as this figure is based on demand.
Legal implications: Legal advice has been sought in relation to TUPE. Work will be undertaken through the remaining period of the contract and extension to develop the roles needed in-house and whether TUPE would apply for those employees of Catch 22.
Equalities implications: An EQIA has been completed and is available. There are no adverse implications, however this will be continually reviewed.