Pa asesiad y mae Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet wedi'i wneud o ganfyddiadau ymchwiliad Ombwdsmon Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus Cymru i gŵyn gan Mr N yn erbyn Cyngor Bwrdiestref Sirol Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr (achos 201503185)?
There is a statutory requirement set out in the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services in Wales for local authorities to give a handbook to all newly approved foster carers. The handbook must include the local authority's fostering policies, procedures and guidance, as well as legal information and insurance details.
The Ombudsman's investigation clearly highlighted the way Bridgend County Borough Council managed the savings of the complainant and applied its own internal guidance for foster carers in its Fostering Handbook. I am pleased therefore that the local authority has subsequently implemented the Ombudsman's recommendations in full and has fully reimbursed the complainant.
We will be remaking the regulations and guidance governing fostering services under phase 3 of our implementation programme under the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016. This gives us the opportunity to work with stakeholders to review the guidance for local authorities and help prevent similar incidences occurring.
That said, good financial education and management is an essential part of preparing care leavers to live independently and local authorities should recognise and act on this important aspect of corporate parenting without delay.