Issue - meetings

Background:

This report sought permission to commence the procurement of a Family Group Conference (FGC) service for a period of three years with the provision to extend for a further two years. The contract would provide for FGCs which would enable a child’s or vulnerable adult’s family and support network to establish a plan to keep the child or adult safe and deal with a range of issues that may be affecting them adversely.

The Strategic Procurement Board had considered this report on 7 September 2011 and exercised its duty under contract procedure rule 2.3.7 to upgrade this medium risk project to a high risk project for Cabinet consideration.

An exempt appendix provided details of the detailed finance and whole life costings.

Reasons:

This method of procurement will provide the opportunity to deliver much improved services.

These services will be supported by a robust objective to improve service excellence that ensures that children and young people remain safe and vulnerable adults are protected.

The Family Group Conference model is an internationally recognised method of meeting the required outcomes for children on the cusp of care. Family Group Conferences are also recognised in court proceedings as providing solutions to a range of issues, including finding alternative carers for children.