Setting

X10029.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 FOSTERING SERVICE

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B46 3ED

Lead Inspector Warren Clarke Key Announced Inspection 26th June 2006 09:30 New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to:

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B46 3ED

• Put the people who use social care first • Improve services and stamp out bad practice • Be an expert voice on social care • Practise what we preach in our own organisation

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B46 3ED

Reader Information Document Purpose Inspection Report Author CSCI Audience General Public Further copies from 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Internet address www.csci.org.uk New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Fostering Services. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

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B46 3ED

Every Child Matters, outlined the government’s vision for children’s services and formed the basis of the Children Act 2004. It provides a framework for inspection so that children’s services should be judged on their contribution to the outcomes considered essential to wellbeing in childhood and later life. Those outcomes are: • Being healthy • Staying safe • Enjoying and achieving • Making a contribution; and • Achieving economic wellbeing.

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B46 3ED

In response, the Commission for Social Care Inspection has re-ordered the national minimum standards for children’s services under the five outcomes, for reporting purposes. A further section has been created under ‘Management’ to cover those issues that will potentially impact on all the outcomes above.

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B46 3ED

Copies of Every Child Matters and The Children Act 2004 are available from The Stationery Office as above This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4

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Name of service

Address Father Hudson`s Society Coventry Road Coleshill Birmingham West Midlands B46 3ED Telephone number 01675 434000

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manager (if applicable)

Type of registration Fostering Agencies New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5

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Conditions of registration:

Date of last inspection 28th November 2005

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Brief Description of the Service:

Father Hudson’s Society is the social care agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham. It provides Fostering and adoption, community projects, residential and day care for older people with dementia and younger adults with learning and physical disabilities. These services are largely within the old father Hudson’s site in the town of Coleshill. There are two other social work offices in Whitney, Oxfordshire and in Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire. The Fostering Service operates solely from Coleshill.

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Brief Description of the Service:

New Routes was established in 1992 with funding from Children in Need. It is a small fostering project for young people, often 'hard to place', aged between 6 and 18 in short term placements of up to 2 years, though long-term placements may be negotiated if a short-term placement is successful. Younger children may be cared for if part of a larger sibling group.

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Brief Description of the Service:

It offers foster care and can provide additional input such as life story work by social workers if required. The service covers a geographical area surrounding Coleshill of up to 20 miles, though this catchments area has been expanded. Foster Carers live in the Coventry, Warwickshire, Worcester and Birmingham areas. They must be prepared to travel to the office for training and meetings.

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Brief Description of the Service:

There are currently 18 carer households and 23 children placed.

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Brief Description of the Service:

The Registered Manager, Lesley Malley, also manages the Adoption Service. Anna Langford, Team leader conducts the day-to-day operational management of the fostering service and deputises for the Manager There are four other fostering social workers employed in the service on a part time basis, three of whom work a total of 63 hours per week and the team is supported by one full time and one part time administrators one of whom acts as the Fostering Panel administration.

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Brief Description of the Service:

The society has a separately established fostering panel with a complement of members including an independent Chair and Vice Chairpersons and the specified numbers of social workers with child care and fostering experience and independent practicing foster carers. New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6

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SUMMARY

This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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SUMMARY

The inspection was announced and was carried out over three days. The inspection took account of what was found at the last visit, what was reported in the meantime and information which the manager provided in a pre- inspection questionnaire and a self-assessment of the Agency performance.

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SUMMARY

During the inspection a sample of foster homes were visited and were inspected only insofar as making sure that they are safe and provide all the facilities that the records suggest that they have. The foster carers in those households were interviewed, as were the children and young people who live there and are being fostered. Some of the staff members of the Agency and the person who chairs the foster panel (helps to decide if those who apply to become carers are suitable) were also interviewed. The records, which the Agency is required to keep were examined.

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What the service does well:

The fostering agency performs well in almost all that it does to provide care for children and young people. The inspector’s reasons for stating this are explained in the other sections of the report, but more importantly, this is a summary of what the children and young people had to say when they were asked what are the good things about being looked after by the Agency’s foster carers:

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What the service does well:

‰ It’s safest living here ‰ Sort problems out at school ‰ Being part of a family that cares – able to be with my brothers and sisters and just being part of a family ‰ Just living here ‰ Its nice – got my own space; places in the home to call my own – my own bedroom and there’s a computer ‰ The food ‰ Pocket money ‰ They get me to school on time ‰ Given choice of food ‰ Help with schoolwork and we go on holiday every year.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 Although the Agency had means by which it matched children to foster carers, it now uses a form that shows clearly what was taken into account about the child and the carer that caused them to decide that it is the best match.

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What they could do better:

The Agency has been advised to give foster carers more guidance about preparing young people for leaving care.

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What they could do better:

Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8

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CONTENTS

Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9

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The intended outcome for this Standard is:

• The fostering service promotes the health and development of children.(NMS 12)

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The Commission considers Standard 12 the key standard to be

inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at the outcome for Standard:

The rating for this outcome area is good on the basis of the following observation and evidence:-

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at the outcome for Standard:

Children and young people who are being looked after by the fostering agency are assured of having any needs arising from their health and disabilities promoted and fulfilled.

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EVIDENCE:

Evidence of how the fostering agency acts to promote the health of children and young people was found in at least four areas where properly considered arrangements have been made in this regard. In the Matching Process in which the needs of the child are considered against the resources of the carers with whom they are to be placed, consideration is taken of how the carers’ own and access to other local health resources will impact on the child’s health. Examination of Placement Agreements, which set out the child’s needs and the part that the foster carer is expected to play in meeting those needs, also showed that as much information as is known about the child’s health is given together with a plan for promoting measures to maintain the child in good health and to respond to any existing maladies.

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EVIDENCE:

All foster carers controlled by the Agency are required, as specified in regulations, to enter into an agreement with the Agency to abide by an overarching condition that they will treat the children and young people they foster as they would any member of the family. Implied in this is that they will act as any good parent would in promoting and safeguarding the health of their children. However, in addition to this the Agency specifies that the foster carer must arrange for the child to receive such medical and dental and, as necessary, optical treatment commensurate with maintaining him or her in good health or in accordance with any identified health problems. It was noted that training is provided for foster carers in order for them to fulfil these New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 requirements. For example, the Agency provides first aid training in a rolling

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EVIDENCE:

annual programme so that all carers who are not already accredited first aiders may become so. It was observed that where children have particular conditions carers have been provided relevant training to assist their understanding of the nature of the condition and its effects so that they are able to make appropriate responses in relation to the child’s needs.

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EVIDENCE:

All the documents mentioned above were either seen or referred to by the foster carers who featured in the case tracking process (i.e. follow through of all aspects of the care of the child in relation to the application of the standards and regulations). There were also specific notes of medical and dental appointments, arrangements for immunisation and arrangements for interventions by the child psychiatric and psychological services where relevant.

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EVIDENCE:

The inspector noted that all the children and young people in the sample who were seen in the case tracking process appeared to be healthy, alert and vibrant. They also considered that they were in good health. New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• Any persons carrying on or managing the service are suitable. (NMS 3) • The fostering service provides suitable foster carers.(NMS 6) • The service matches children to carers appropriately.(NMS 8) • The fostering service protects each child or young person from abuse and neglect.(NMS 9) • The people who work in or for the fostering service are suitable to work with children and young people.(NMS 15) • Fostering panels are organised efficiently and effectively.(NMS 30)

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The Commission considers Standards 3, 6, 8, 9, 15 and 30 the key

standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following Standard(s):

A quality rating of good is accorded to the outcomes in this area as informed by the judgement and evidence below.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following Standard(s):

The fostering agency has introduced acceptable polices, procedures and practices to ensure the children and young peoples safety and to protect them from abuse and other forms of unfavourable treatment. These measures have proved effective in practice.

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EVIDENCE:

At the last inspection, the Agency’s child protection procedure was examined and deemed sound. Since it has not been amended in the interim, it was not re-assessed on this occasion. In the past twelve months there has only been one allegation of abuse and this was seen both in the Notification and subsequent information to be dealt with in line with laid down procedures.

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EVIDENCE:

Children being looked after by the agency are placed by various local authorities and, in this regard, there remains a clear understanding of the process for reporting and investigating any incidents of abuse. Nothing was seen at inspection or reported prior to or during the visit to cast any doubt over the suitability of those who control and manage the Agency. All the information referred to in Schedule 1 of the Regulations (CRB checks, references, etc) were examined and found to be in order. This also applies to New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 the supervising social workers, members of the fostering panel and foster carers, adult members of their households and others known to the carers who will have substantial contact with the children, e.g., back-up carers.

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EVIDENCE:

In the assessment of foster carers, the Agency has a clear and comprehensive format for assessing the safety and comfort of the prospective foster home. This was apparent in the reports examined (Form F assessments), which form the basis on which the fostering panel and the Agency’s decision maker conclude whether to approve the carer. The factors taken into consideration typically include the available space in the foster home, its facilities, safety and ability to provide the child his or her own bedroom and, above all an exclusive bed. The Agency has indeed introduced its own standard that children placed with foster carers must have their own bedroom unless they are siblings who prefer to share. It was noted that where pets are present in a foster home, they too are considered in terms of any risk they may pose to children in relation to health and safety.

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EVIDENCE:

It was observed from the records that foster carers are expected to work in conjunction with the Agency to reach agreement on a Safe Caring protocol for the household. This is intended to minimise circumstances where the child/young person and the carers might be placed in uncomfortable situations or which might leave the child vulnerable and the carers open to allegations. In addition to safe caring protocols, the Agency in its Foster Carers Handbook, preparation and post-approval training gives carers clear guidance on how to approach the management of children’s behaviour and in so doing specifies the range of sanctions permissible and those which are forbidden, i.e., corporal punishment, rough or degrading treatment are not allowed. Recognising the vulnerability of the children and young people in the event of their running away from the foster home or otherwise being absent without authority, the

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EVIDENCE:

Agency has a clear procedure for such an event, which is understood by foster carers. The procedure is in the Foster Carers Handbook hence they can refer it as necessary.

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EVIDENCE:

Records kept of supervision of foster carers showed that one of the ways in which the Agency seeks to protect children and young people in the foster homes is by making at least one unannounced visit annually. It was evident from those records that supervising social workers also ensure that they see the children and young people on certain occasions, to assess the effectiveness of the service in meeting their needs and to give them an opportunity to raise any difficulties that there might be. This is in addition to visits by the child’s own social worker.

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EVIDENCE:

The Agency has provided foster carers with written guidance on bullying, its effects and how to support children in their care who might be vulnerable to bullying. One of the young people who was interviewed related an instance of being bullied at school and of feeling able to tell the carers who went to the school and sorted it out. New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Fostering Panel, which has been referred to earlier being a body constituted to oversee the operational safety of the Agency’s practice also plays a key role in promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the children being looked after by the Agency. This Panel was not observed in session on this occasion, but an interview with its chairperson and the service manager and examination of its minutes confirmed that it is constituted as prescribed in the relevant regulations and is operating in a manner that provides the children and young

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EVIDENCE:

people with protection in terms of the fitness of those approved to care for them.

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EVIDENCE:

In keeping with the regulations, the service manager monitors among others – records are kept and were seen to this effect – all incidents related to the children and young people’s safety and protection. This is so that any emerging patterns might be identified and addressed. New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• The fostering service values diversity.(NMS 7) • The fostering service promotes educational achievement.(NMS 13) • When foster care is provided as a short-term break for a child, the arrangements recognise that the parents remain the main carers for the child.(NMS 31)

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The Commission considers Standards 7, 13, and 31 the key standards

to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The rating for the Agency’s performance in relation to outcomes in this area is excellent as characterised by the following judgement and the supporting evidence below.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The Agency and its foster carers work effectively to engender in the children and young people positive self-image and a sense of belonging. Children and young people’s wellbeing is further boosted by active encouragement to learn and have fun in both structured and unstructured activities within and outside the home.

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EVIDENCE:

At the last inspection (November 2005) evidence was seen and reported confirming that the Agency provides the children and young people with services appropriate to their diverse needs. This applied to needs arising from the children and young people’s gender, race, culture, religion and disabilities. The records showed that those children are still being looked after by the Agency and the evidence previously reported still applies. That is, young people of African and Caribbean origin remain in their same race placements and are receiving the care that they need to foster a positive identity and to promote their cultural heritage.

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EVIDENCE:

Conversations that the inspector had with both foster carers and children revealed that as in any ordinary family, the children are cared for in ways that recognise their gender and that they are encouraged and supported to pursue New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 a wide range of leisure interests such as club-type membership and sports. It was noted that foster carers preparation training continues to equip them in valuing diversity in the care of the children and young people.

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EVIDENCE:

The excellent ways in which the Agency promotes education continues on the same basis as reported at the last inspection. That is to say, the education arrangements for each child feature in the matching process and are clearly set out in their placement plans. The children’s records showed and foster carers confirmed that they place great value on the children receiving an efficient education. This is demonstrated in the encouragement and support that they give the children to attend school regularly and to apply themselves to learning.

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EVIDENCE:

There were examples of carers acting as any good parent would in ensuring that the children placed with them secure places at the best performing schools. Further, where necessary, they were advocating effectively on the children’s behalf in terms of special educational needs provision where appropriate. Initiatives have been taken, as shown in the records, to provide compensatory education for some children who need additional support. This was observed in one instance where student teachers were seen in the foster home tutoring some children. It was also noted that support programmes such as “Black Boys Can”, a national initiative to promote the educational attainment of young black males, is being used where relevant.

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EVIDENCE:

Children and young people, who were interviewed during the inspection, commented positively on their current education experience. They said that they attend school regularly and were happy to do so. One child who had recent recognition at school for excellent attendance and a commendable school report was keen to share her delight and excitement of the treat promised by her carers as a reward. All the children said that they receive help from the foster carers with their schoolwork and that their carers attended school events. In all the foster homes visited it was observed that there was a wide range of toys and, in most cases, books and access to a computer. Indeed in one instance a pre-school child was observed competently using a PC to solve puzzles and for counting games and it was clear form the resources in the home that the carer was firing the child’s enthusiasm to learn. New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• The fostering service promotes contact arrangements for the child or young person. (NMS 10) • The fostering service promotes consultation.(NMS 11)

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The Commission considers Standards 10 and 11 the key standards to

be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The rating of the Agency’s performance in this outcome area is good and this is supported by the judgement and evidence below.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

Children and young people in the Agency’s care are confident of their place both within the foster home, the local community and their birth families. In being encouraged and supported to form friendships with others local to the foster home, maintaining contact with their families and having opportunities to opine in relation to planning and routine arrangements of their care, the children are able to make a positive contribution to the social systems in which they exist.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster Care preparation training, guidance given to them in the Foster Carers Handbook and post-approval training all promote the importance of enabling children in foster care to maintain contact with relatives and other people who are significant in their lives. The Agency demonstrates its commitment to this by featuring it amongst those deemed of primary consideration in matching of the children to foster carers. The Agency also ensures that where there is no official prohibition of contact, the child’s placement agreement sets out the arrangements for contact.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster carers who were seen on this occasion and at the last inspection, all said that they recognise the benefit of children being able to maintain contact with their families and were committed to facilitating this where required. In some instances they assist with transport arrangements and permit contact to take place at the foster home. New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 All the children and young people who were seen during the inspection were aware of their contact arrangements and were satisfied with them. Where they shared what those arrangements are, they were in accord with what is set out in the placement plans. In addition to contact with their families the children said they had friends in the neighbourhood with whom they meet regularly, which suggests that they are not isolated.

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EVIDENCE:

The children and young people who the inspector asked whether they felt they had any choice being placed with the carers they are with said that they felt that they did. They also said that they were aware of the meetings (case reviews) where things are discussed and plans are made for their future care. Whilst all those said that they know that they can attend their case review, only some opted to participate. The young people who were seen said that they are listened to by their carers, who regularly asked their opinion about things such as where to go on holiday, what they want to eat, etc. They were content with their care and had not had cause to complain about their carers or the Agency.

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EVIDENCE:

Although the Agency has under review its approach to consulting children and young people about matters related to their care and the quality of its services, current acceptable ways in which this is being done include:

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EVIDENCE:

1. Opportunities to discuss any issues with their own social workers or the supervising social worker

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EVIDENCE:

2. Questionnaires to elicit views about the experience of the care in the foster home, the information from which is taken into consideration in the carers’ annual review. This includes kinship carers.

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EVIDENCE:

3. Exit comment cards for young people who are leaving the fostering scheme

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EVIDENCE:

4. The Comments, Complaints and Suggestion procedure, which is featured in the Young Peoples Information Pack.

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EVIDENCE:

5. Occasional activities organised and led by the supervising social workers. New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• The fostering service prepares young people for adulthood.(NMS 14) • The fostering service pays carers an allowance and agreed expenses as specified.(NMS 29)

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The Agency’s performance rating for this outcome area is good , which is supported by the judgement and evidence below.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

Children and young people who are looked after by the Agency’s foster carers are being nurtured towards independence, but some more deliberate work needs to be seen to be done with those young people whose transition to independent or semi-independent living is more imminent. Children and young people are afforded a materially comfortable standing of living and this is reflected in their good health and wellbeing.

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EVIDENCE:

The Agency gives guidance to foster carers, in the Foster Carers Handbook , to help them to understand and care for the children and young people in ways that will help to equip them for adulthood or when they cease to be looked after. Carers understand this as demonstrated in a situation where a young person was nearing the time of leaving the care system. The young person is being prepared insofar as support has been given to find and sustain the individual in employment, but though a leaving care worker had been assigned there was no evidence of a Pathway Plan, i.e., the plan of actions for ensuring the young person’s smooth transition to independent or semi-independent living.

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EVIDENCE:

The inspector considered that carers might benefit from having the guidance in their Handbook, on preparing young people for independence, expanded so as to give them a better awareness of the Leaving Care legislation, the role that they might play in assisting young people to contribute effectively to their Pathway Plans and some of the more deliberate coaching of practical living skills that they might be well placed to help the young people to acquire for New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 their transition to independent living. It is also suggested that this features in the Agency’s fosters annual training programme.

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EVIDENCE:

In demonstrating that it makes satisfactory financial provisions for the maintenance of the children and young people, the Agency provided evidence of the allowance and expenses awarded to foster carers for each child’s upkeep. The manager advised that these are in line with the national rates recommended by Fostering Network and are paid in advance.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster carers said that they have a clear understanding of the allowances and how they are broken down. They were satisfied that these funds are paid regularly, efficiently and are sufficient to cover the cost of looking after the children and young people. This was borne out by the comfortable circumstance in which the children were being cared for and in terms of dress and other proxies of economic wellbeing, e.g., receiving adequate pocket money, they are not disadvantaged by their looked after status. New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• There is a clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and the fostering service ensures that they meet those aims and objectives.(NMS 1) • The fostering service is managed by those with the appropriate skills and experience. (NMS 2) • The fostering service is monitored and controlled as specified. (NMS 4) • The fostering service is managed effectively and efficiently.(NMS 5) • Staff are organised and managed effectively.(NMS 16) • The fostering service has an adequate number of sufficiently experienced and qualified staff.(NMS 17) • The fostering service is a fair and competent employer.(NMS 18) • There is a good quality training programme. (NMS 19) • All staff are properly accountable and supported.(NMS 20) • The fostering service has a clear strategy for working with and supporting carers.(NMS 21) • Foster carers are provided with supervision and support.(NMS 22) • Foster carers are appropriately trained.(NMS 23)

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• Case records for children are comprehensive.(NMS 24) • The administrative records are maintained as required.(NMS 25) • The premises used as offices by the fostering service are suitable for the purpose.(NMS 26) • The fostering service is financially viable. (NMS 27) • The fostering service has robust financial processes. (NMS 28) • Local Authority fostering services recognise the contribution made by family and friends as carers.(NMS 32)

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The Commission considers Standards 17, 21, 24 and 32 the key

standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The Agency’s performance in this outcome area is excellent as is reflected in the foregoing commentary and the judgement and evidence below.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

Provision of the necessary resources, sound management and the commitment of staff and foster carers results in a service that provides first class care for the children and young people.

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EVIDENCE:

New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 This efficiently run fostering agency is managed by a professionally qualified and experienced manager and a team leader with backgrounds, which include youth work, children and families social work and family placements (fostering). The team leader deputises in the manager’s absence and another four fully qualified social workers (3.4 full time equivalent) are also employed. All except two of the social work staff have been in the Agency’s employ for three years or more suggesting that it is successful in retaining its personnel. At the time of inspection one of the supervising social worker posts was vacant, but the manager advised of plans to appoint to this post in the near future and of adequate arrangements for covering the shortfall that it caused. A similar situation existed with foster carers whose average number of years

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EVIDENCE:

with the Agency is 6. This is of benefit to the children and young people because of the element of stability and permanence it affords. Staff consider the Agency to be a good employer, providing good opportunities for regular professional supervision, in-service training and development, which includes funding of post-qualifying training.

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EVIDENCE:

The Agency seeks to recruit a steady stream of carers from a diverse background to satisfy the demand of children referred to its services. It was noted from the records that the latest recruitment targeted African-Caribbean. The records showed, and approved foster carers confirmed, that the Agency has adopted the BAAF Form F assessment instrument, which thoroughly probes and evaluates potential foster carers’ capacities, resources, aptitude and character to be able to care for children. Whilst foster carers said they found the assessment process probing and rigorous, they understood why this has to be and the skill and sensitivity with which it is done.

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EVIDENCE:

The Agency demonstrated a clear strategy for supporting carers. This includes monthly supervision with telephone calls in between times, an annual programme of training and a financial incentive to complete National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People. Foster carers said that if they become aware of particular training, outside the in-service programme, that they consider will enhance their knowledge and skills in caring for the children in their care providing they can demonstrate this, the Agency supports them financially in this regard.

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EVIDENCE:

Carers said they value the supervision and support provided by their supervising social workers and the Agency’s out-of-hours support service, which is provided by the same workers on rotational on-call basis. They consider that the size of the Agency allows for supervising social workers to have a good all round knowledge of all the carers and children so that when there is a problem any of the social workers are able to deal with it efficiently. The arrangement of back-up carers from the outset was also deemed a valuable support since this means that where respite or sitting arrangements need to be made provision already exists. New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Taking all the factors outlined above, the inspector concluded that all those involved: foster carers, supervising social workers and the children’s social workers are clear about their roles and tasks, there is good communication

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EVIDENCE:

among them and understanding and respect for the contributions that they all make.

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EVIDENCE:

The Agency has a good and clearly thought out system of record keeping. The records that it keeps give a full and accurate account of the children’s circumstances and needs and reflect well its activities in the assessment, monitoring and review of foster carers. It was noted that foster carers are given full information about the children and young people placed with them and they (the carers) consider that this goes a long way in helping them to care for the children and young people appropriately but also to help them to understand their circumstances. All carers are provided with secure storage for the children personal information by the Agency and they are required to record and report on the children’s progress and any significant events. The manager in turn uses this information in monitoring the quality of care as specified in regulation 42.

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EVIDENCE:

Some carers provided photograph albums and scrap books capturing significant stages in the children and young people’s development and events in their lives. New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services have been met and uses the following scale.

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

4 Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

BEING HEALTHY ACHIEVING ECONOMIC Standard No Score WELLBEING 12 4 Standard No Score 14 3 STAYING SAFE 29 3 Standard No Score 3 3 MANAGEMENT 6 3 Standard No Score 8 3 1 X 9 3 2 X 15 3 4 X 30 3 5 X 16 X ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING 17 3 Standard No Score 18 X 7 3 19 X 13 4 20 X 31 N/A 21 4 22 X MAKING A POSITIVE 23 X CONTRIBUTION 24 3 Standard No Score 25 X 10 4 26 X 11 3 27 x 28 x 32 x New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? No

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Fostering Services Regulations 2002 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action

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RECOMMENDATIONS

These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations

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RECOMMENDATIONS

1. FS14 The registered person should expand the existing guidance to foster carers on preparing young people for independence or semi-independent living. The guidance should equip carers with a working knowledge of the Children Leaving Care legislation and how to contribute to the acquisition of the practical independence living skills necessary for young people who will cease to be looked after imminently. New Routes Fostering DS0000034855.V292512.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

Leamington Spa Office Imperial Court Holly Walk Leamington Spa CV32 4YB

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI

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