SS16 054 External Fostering Placements for Children and Young People

Kent County Council and Medway Council are seeking tenders from suitably experienced providers who can deliver high quality foster care that provides stability and meets individual children's and young people's needs and outcomes, at the right time, with the right carers, in the right location and at the right price.

The Council is seeking to work in partnership with a number of Independent Fostering Providers (IFP) to achieve the required Service Outcomes and Individual Outcomes for each Child / Young Person, according to the Individual Placement Agreement and their Individual Care Plan, Education, Health and Care Plan or Pathway Plan.

Tenders may be submitted for all lots

Maximum number of lots that may be awarded to one tenderer: 2

The contracting authority reserves the right to award contracts combining the following lots or groups of lots:

The external fostering arrangement is to be split into the below Lots.

Lot 1: Framework Providers can tender to be part of the Multi-Supplier Framework Agreement (Lot 1) and may also wish to tender for Lot 2 as a potential Partnership Provider.

Lot 2 Partnership Providers will at the stage of tendering be able to submit (unless stipulated under the guidance in Lot 1) a tender for Lot 2.

The Council require the following range of specific placement types:

• Long Term placements (as per the Care/Placement Plan; 12 months and over);

• Short Term / Task Focused / Bridging Placements;

• Short Break Placements;

• Parent(s) and Child(ren) Placements;

• Step Down Placements; and

These placement types will be required for the following cohort of Children and Young People:

• Age bands (5-10 years, 11-15 years, 16-18 years);

• Placement types (Core, Sibling, Parent(s) and Child(ren) and Disabled Children);

• Solo placements, with no other Children/Young People within the foster care household;

• Sibling placements;

• Short Breaks.

Additional information:

Expression of Interest and Tender Process

Expressions of interest will only be accepted via the Kent Business Portal. In order to submit your interest in this opportunity please select the 'Login and Express an Interest' button located at the bottom of this page.

Note: that in order to successfully submit your interest you will first need to register for an account. After registration is complete and you've received your login details you should return to the advert for the opportunity and express your interest.