Contract Modification (under PCR 2015 Regulation 72) to the London Borough of Sutton Independent Fostering Accommodation Framework

A child or young person requiring a standard placement may have no or some challenging behaviours. These behaviours would have been identified as a risk, but are not considered to be of significant risk to the child or young person or another individual. Examples of the challenging behaviours may include, but are not limited to: ● Sexualised behaviour ● A diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of ADHD ● Difficulties with education and learning ● Disruptive behaviour ● Verbal abuse

A child or young person requiring an Enhanced placement may have a disability or has experienced trauma which has resulted in the child or young person having challenging behavioural issues. The degree of this disability and challenging behaviours mean the child or young person requires an additional level of support and experienced care to achieve their outcomes. Examples of the behaviours that may be displayed include, but not limited to: ● Being in crisis with challenging behaviour; ● Highly sexualised behaviour; ● Significant self-harm and risk taking behaviours; ● Profound mental health difficulties The London Borough of Sutton modified the framework for up to 12 months. The modification was under regulation 72 (1) ( c ) of the publication contract regulations on the grounds that the authority or the market were in a position to tender or bid for a new framework following the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on resources. The modification does not alter the overall nature of the contract and the estimated spend over the 12 months will not exceed 50% of the value of the original contract or framework agreement.

The children and young people seeking a Complex placement may have a severe disability or experienced trauma which has resulted in the child or young person having significantly challenging behavioural issues. The level of need of the child or young person will require very specialist and experienced foster care and services. The child or young person may also be looking to step down from a Residential Children’s Home or they are at risk, due to previous placement breakdowns, of moving into a Residential Children’s Home. The London Borough of Sutton modified the framework for up to 12 months. The modification was under regulation 72 (1) ( c ) of the publication contract regulations on the grounds that the authority or the market were in a position to tender or bid for a new framework following the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on resources. The modification does not alter the overall nature of the contract and the estimated spend over the 12 months will not exceed 50% of the value of the original contract or framework agreement.