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Decision details

Introduction of a Charging Policy for Children who are Accommodated at the request of their parents under Sec 20 of the Children Act (1989)

Decision Maker: Lead Member for Children and Families

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

The Lead Member is asked to agree the introduction of a charging policy to require some parents who request that their children should become Looked After by ESCC to be financially assessed to determine whether they should contribute towards the costs of care. Certain exemptions to this process would apply meaning that there are circumstances in which such financial assessment would be waived.

Decisions:

4.1       The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Children’s Services seeking approval for the introduction of a Charging Policy to seek to recoup partial costs in defined circumstances when a child becomes Looked After at the request of parents.

4.2       The Lead Member RESOLVED to approve the introduction of the Charging Policy set out in Appendix 1 to seek to recoup partial costs in defined circumstances when a child becomes Looked After at the request of parents.

Reason

Within a wider Council budget that is under pressure, the specific budget that supports the care of children who are Looked After continues to be very challenging. It is reasonable toexpect parents to contribute to the costs for their child to be cared for when they request itand if they can afford to do so. It encourages parents not to abdicate responsibility for theirchild and emphasises the importance of parents continuing to be involved in their child’s life. It is unlikely in reality, however, that this will generate much or any income but may act as a partial deterrent to those parents who could afford to contribute but are presently not expected to do so, or who are unwilling to do so.

 

Report author: Liz Rugg

Publication date: 01/06/2020

Date of decision: 01/06/2020

Decided at meeting: 01/06/2020 - Lead Member for Children and Families

Effective from: 06/06/2020

Accompanying Documents: