1. Tower Hamlets - Supporting Families Livia Culiceanu Kathy Nuza 27 th March 2014

2. Context - Kinship Care in Tower Hamlets Presentation - Kinship Care (Connected People Placements - in Tower Hamlets Currently Tower Hamlets has 326 looked after children Currently 25 children supported in Kinship Care arrangements

3. Context - Kinship Care in Tower Hamlets Definition Kinship care (or as it is now referred to as connected people) is when a child or young person is living with a family member, friend or a person of significance to them for a short, long or permanent period of time. (LBTH Family & Friends Policy 2012) Kinship Care can be separated into 3 main categories for the purpose of Local Authority support: 1.Kinship Foster Care - for children/young people who are “Looked After Children” under the Children Act 1989. 2.Private Fostering - children/young people who are not “Looked After Children,” but living with extended family (not relatives as defined by the Children Act 1989) or person. This is a private arrangement between Private Foster Carer and parent. 3.Private arrangement - for children/young people who are residing with a relative (as defined by the Children Act 1989) and are not “Looked After Children”. This type of arrangement includes: Residence Orders Carers and Special Guardians. This is also a private arrangement between the carer and parent.

4. The role of the Family Group Conference What families tell us: We didn’t know Family Group Conference Service established over 10 years Recognition of the role and strength of families Time and space for families to think about what they can/cannot do, support available etc (hopefully before “midnight granny “ scenario, if not then after) Shift to the use of Special guardianship in last 5 years as a route to permanence within the family

5. The role of the Family Group Conference cont…./ What families tell us: We didn’t like to ask LBTH participated in Joan Hunt’s research and we know kinship carers produce better outcomes but struggle to get support. Feedback from FGC participants, a real reluctance to discuss support needed for fear of their motive being judged. Informed choice is best for families and children Produced information leaflet for FGC participants for use in preparation, so they come to their meeting better informed Kinship assessment team social workers attend FGC to give information and answer questions FGC is available to plan ongoing support for Kinship Carers.

6. Information available through various channels Attendance Family Group Conferences to speak about Kinship Care Direct work with the carers during the assessment Preparation group for new Guardians and Fostering training for Family and Friends’ carers News brochure issues every six months and annual training brochure.

7. Support offered to Kinship Carers Tailored/Flexible support - a partnership Ongoing training and development Mediation between parents and Guardians if issues raised e.g. in terms of contact and managing presenting behaviour Financial support where the child subject to Kinship Care arrangements had been looked after by the local authority Day events for Special Guardians and children.

8. Any Questions ??