Bidder Event - STEP DOWN TO FOSTERING SERVICE

Bidder Event - FOSTERING BETTER OUTCOMES SERVICE

The Council believes that there is a strong evidence base demonstrating that children and young people on average achieve better outcomes in a family environment. The Council recognises that to successfully transition and sustain young people in a family setting they need to be placed with the right carers, at the right time with intensive support and services. These will give the young person the best possible opportunity to their full potential socially emotionally and in their education. Therefore, the role of the proposed commissioned service is to work with 2 cohorts: Cohort A: Cheshire West and Chester Council's cohort of children and young people in currently in residential care; Cohort B: Children in foster care, who have experienced significant instability and are at imminent risk of entering residential care. Client Groups, Complexity The client group are the Council's 30-35 children placed in residential care.

Approximately 12-15 children per annum enter residential care. The service would be expected to work with between 5 to 8 children per annum. This client group has a high level of complexity. Children and young people in residential care in Cheshire West typically demonstrate a range of complex behaviours.

The provider would be expected to recruit and support resilient foster carers to improve outcomes for children with wrap around support and intervention. The service is intended to provide a high-intensity foster care type intervention in order to facilitate children 'stepping down' into stable foster care by delivering a person centred approach. The Council's research indicates that this type of intervention is typically delivered by a multi-disciplinary team which provide holistic support for the foster carer, family and child or young person. The provider would be expected to manage the end-to-end process of foster carer recruitment for the service, placement matching and support for the young person while in placement.

The service will be delivered using a Social Impact Bond Model. The Council are holding a bidder event on 4th July PM at Civic Hall, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire CH65 0BE.

We are keen to meet with potential providers and Social Impact Bond investors.

To request a place please contact debbie.pitcher@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk