Independent Foster Agencies (IFA) Framework

The contract award has resulted in the establishment of a Framework Agreement for the delivery of independentfostering placements for looked after children for a term for a term of three (3) years with an option to extend fora further one (1) year. The comissioning of high quality Independent Fostering services through Agencies on the Framework will assistthe Council in meeting it's statutory duty stipulated in Section 20 of the Children Act 1989, that is to ensure Children Looked After are accomodated in the most appropriate way. The proposed Framework Agreeementwill assist the Council in achieving this by improving access to high quality placements and creating greatercompetition in the social care market.