Foster Care Allowance Model Scheme for 2022-23
Dear Department of Health (Northern Ireland),
I am writing to make a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
The Health and Social Care Board currently set the Foster Care Allowance Model Scheme rates on an annual basis. In light of the planned closure of the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) in March 2022.
1. Please advise which department, organisation, or body will have responsibility for setting the Foster Care Allowance Model Scheme for the tax year 2022-23
2. When will the process to set the Foster Care Allowance Model Scheme for 2022-23 begin?
3. Will foster carer representatives be able to make representation to the process of setting the Foster Care Allowance Model Scheme 2022-23?
4. Will foster carer representatives be involved in the decision making process of setting the Foster Care Allowance Model Scheme
5. Will looked after children advocates or care experienced advocates be able to make representation to the process of setting the Foster Care Allowance Model Scheme 2022-23?
6. Will looked after children advocates or care experienced advocates representatives be involved in the decision making process of setting the Foster Care Allowance Model Scheme 2022-23?
7. When will the process to set the Foster Care Allowance Model Scheme for 2022-23 conclude?
8. When will the Foster Care Allowance Model Scheme for 2022-23 be published?
I would like the above information to be provided to me as an electronic copy.
If the request is too broad or unclear, I would be grateful if you could contact me as I understand under the Act you are required to advise and assist requesters. If any of the information is already in the public domain, please send it to me directly with page references or URLs when necessary.
If it is not possible to provide the information requested due to the information exceeding the cost of compliance limits identified in Section 12, please provide advice and assistance under the section 16 obligations of the Act, as to how I can refine the request.
I understand that you are required to respond to my request within 20 working days after receiving this request. I would be grateful if you could confirm in writing you have received this request.
I love forward to hearing from you soon,
Yours faithfully,
Alastair Scott-McKinley
Dear Department of Health (Northern Ireland),
I was hoping you could provide an update on my request for information
Yours sincerely,
Alastair Scott-McKinley
Alastair
I have spoken to the business area responsible for replying to you and they have apologised, but assured me that a response will be issued within a few days.
As you can imagine the Department is receiving a large volume of requests for information at the moment and we are finding it difficult to respond as quickly as we would like. I hope you understand.
Regards
Jeff
Jeff Burns
Information Management Branch
Department of Health (NI)
Alastair
Thank you for your correspondence relating to the Foster Care Allowance Model Scheme.
I have been asked to respond on behalf of the Department.
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, information that has been recorded may be released. The information you request does not fall under that legislation, however a response to your queries is detailed below.
The Health and Social Care (2021) Bill will facilitate the closure of the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) and transfer of its functions (in the main) to the Department by 31 March 2022. A new Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) will deliver functions of the former HSCB—including the preparation of the Fostering Allowances Model Scheme—under the direction of the Department.
The review of the Model Scheme for the 2022/23 financial year will be taken forward by the SPPG.
It is the intention that the review will be completed and the model scheme issued by end of June 22.
The Fostering Network will be engaged in the process to review Foster Care Allowances to ensure that foster carers and their representatives have an opportunity to contribute to the development of the scheme. It is intended that the views / feedback from children and care advocates will be completed via this engagement / liaison work with the Fostering Network.
Kind Regards
Elizabeth
_______________________________________
Elizabeth Kayaalp
Looked After Children & Adoption Policy Unit
Department of Health
Email: [email address]
Tel: 028 90 522909
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