Issue - meetings

This report proposes commencing a tender exercise to procure a more robust commissioned offer for Children’s Short Breaks, Respite and Family Care Services.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder – Councillor Sue Markham

This report advised that under the Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011, local authorities had a statutory duty to provide access to short breaks and respite to eligible families with children with disabilities and other non-disabled children in need.

The Council currently commissioned these services under three contracts.  The report recommended going out to market with the aim of procuring a more robust offer.

Councillor Margaret Bell, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, addressed Members and explained the work that the Council currently commissioned to deliver short break opportunities for children and the carers.  These breaks could take place during the day or overnight and gave families support to stay together and reduce the risk of family breakdown.  Gaps had been identified in the service where agency and spot purchased packages were relied on and this could affect the quality and regulation of placements.

Councillor Bell hoped that the proposals would enable the Council to expand its scope and procure a more robust commissioned offer.  In addition, this would be co-produced with other stakeholders and aligned with the ambitions of the Families First for Children Pathfinder programme.

The aim was to implement Phase 1 in Autumn 2024 with Phase 2 being

integrated within the Children’s Short Breaks and Family Care Service model from April 2025, adding an urgent outreach service into the current short breaks offer.  The recommendations were proposed as laid out.

Resolved

That Cabinet

1)    Authorises the Executive Director for Children and Young People to finalise and commence a procurement process for the provision of Short Breaks, Respite and Family Care Services for children with disabilities and other children in need, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children & Families; and

2)    Authorises the Executive Director for Children and Young People, in consultation with the Executive Director for Social Care and Health to enter into relevant contracts for the provision of Short Breaks, Respite and Family Care Services for children with disabilities and other children in need, on terms and conditions acceptable to the Executive Director for Resources.