Independent Fostering Framework Agreement for Kent County Council and Medway Council

Tender description

Kent County Council and Medway Council currently has a Framework Agreement in place for the provision of fostering placements from Independent Fostering Providers (IFPs) which is due to expire. Both Councils will be seeking to re-tender a joint framework with an anticipated start date of 1st April 2022. Lot TBC: The purpose of this notice is to ensure that IFP’s are aware and can prepare for this upcoming opportunity. Independent Fostering Placements It is recognised that a child’s needs are best met by a nurturing family, and we are committed to placing children who are not able to remain within their own family in an appropriate alternative family placement wherever possible. There is a commitment to place children and young people with local foster families in order to allow them to maintain contact with families and friends continue at the same school and thrive within their own community. The aims of the service will be to: • Enable access to a wide range of foster care placement types from registered, good quality IFP’s • Improve placement stability supported by effective matching • Exhibit strong collaboration and partnership working to ensure the child’s needs and outcomes are at the centre of the work • Demonstrate the involvement of the child ensuring their voice is heard and listened to through participation in decision making (where appropriate) • Demonstrate effective and efficient communication to support placement finding • Reduce the need to spot purchase We shall be seeking to commission through a new Framework Agreement fostering placements for children and young people from 0-18 years. Albeit subject to changes and additions, as a minimum we shall require the following placement types: • Long term or permanent placements • Short Term / Task Focused / Bridging placements • Short Break Placements for disabled children • Parent(s) and Child(ren) • Step Down from residential placements • Emergency (same day, out of hours and/or within 24 hours of referral) • Sibling groups • Solo placements (with no other children within the foster household) No action is required at this time and further information regarding this forthcoming procurement will follow in due course.