Setting

Foster Care NCH

479 Margate Road Broadstairs Kent CT10 2QA

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

Launched in April 2004, the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) is the single inspectorate for social care in England.

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

The Commission combines the work formerly done by the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI), the SSI/Audit Commission Joint Review Team and the National Care Standards Commission.

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The role of CSCI is to:

• Promote improvement in social care • Inspect all social care - for adults and children - in the public, private and voluntary sectors • Publish annual reports to Parliament on the performance of social care and on the state of the social care market • Inspect and assess ‘Value for Money’ of council social services • Hold performance statistics on social care • Publish the ‘star ratings’ for council social services • Register and inspect services against national standards • Host the Children’s Rights Director role.

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Inspection Methods & Findings

SECTION B of this report summarises key findings and evidence from this inspection. The following 4-point scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"

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The 4-point scale ranges from:

4 - Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 - Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 - Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 - Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls) 'O' or blank in the 'Standard met?' box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. '9' in the 'Standard met?' box denotes standard not applicable. 'X' is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable. Foster Care NCH Page 1

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Address

479 Margate Road, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 2QA

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Date of last inspection

Foster Care NCH Page 2 Date of Inspection Visit 1 ST March 2005 ID Code

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Date of last inspection

Name of Inspector 1 Mrs Sue Gaskell 081981

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inspections and bring a different

perspective to the inspection process. Name of Specialist (e.g.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

Independent and local authority fostering services which fall within the jurisdiction of the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) are subject to inspection, to establish if the service is meeting the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services and the requirements of the Care Standards Act 2000, the Fostering Services Regulations 2002 and the Children Act 1989 as amended.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

This document summarises the inspection findings of the CSCI in respect of Foster Care NCH. The inspection findings relate to the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services published by the Secretary of State under sections 23 and 49 of the Care Standards Act 2000, for independent and local authority fostering services respectively.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

The Fostering Services Regulations 2002 are secondary legislation, with which a service provider must comply. Service providers are expected to comply fully with the National Minimum Standards. The National Minimum standards will form the basis for judgements by the CSCI in relation to independent fostering agencies regarding registration, the imposition and variation of registration conditions and any enforcement action, and in relation to local authority fostering services regarding notices to the local authority and reports to the Secretary of State under section 47 of the Care Standards Act 2000. The report follows the format of the National Minimum Standards and the numbering shown in the report corresponds to that of the standards.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

The report will show the following: • Inspection methods used • Key findings and evidence • Overall ratings in relation to the standards • Compliance with the Regulations • Notifications to the Local Authority and Reports to the Secretary of State • Required actions on the part of the provider • Recommended good practice • Summary of the findings • Report of the Lay Assessor (where relevant) • Providers response and proposed action plan to address findings

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INSPECTION VISITS

Inspections will be undertaken in line with the agreed regulatory framework with additional visits as required. This is in accordance with the provisions of the Care Standards Act 2000. The following inspection methods have been used in the production of this report. The report represents the inspector's findings from the evidence found at the specified inspection dates. Foster Care NCH Page 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED. Fostercare NCH is part of a national charitable organisation providing a fostering service in Kent and South London. At the time of the inspection the service supported 38 approved foster carers, looking after 57 children. The office is situated in Broadstairs, and facilities include office accommodation and a domestic style contact suite. Foster Care NCH Page 6

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Inspector’s Summary

(This is an overview of the inspector’s findings, which includes good practice, quality issues, areas to be addressed or developed and any other concerns.) This inspection, which was carried out over 3 days in March, focussed on the key core standards. The Inspection was based on information obtained from the pre-inspection questionnaire, from speaking with the registered Manager and social work staff, carers and children, and from examining a variety of records and other written information. The Inspector was satisfied that recommendations identified at the previous inspection around training needs had been met, and that the issue regarding the provision of information for children whose first language is not English is also addressed appropriately. There are no requirements or recommendations arising from this inspection, and the Inspector noted that support for staff and carers is over and above what could be expected. Quality assurance is

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Inspector’s Summary

taken seriously, with frequent and on-going reviews of procedures and systems. One concern reported to the CSCI was investigated in detail as part of this inspection. The Inspector found sufficient verbal and written evidence, internal, external and from a variety of other agencies, to make a judgement that the Agency has acted appropriately and in the child’s interest. Foster Care NCH Page 7

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

The following statutory Reports or Notifications are to be made under the Care Standards Act as a result of the findings of this inspection:

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

NO Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(3) of the Care Standards Act 2000 that the Commission considers the Local Authority's fostering service satisfies the regulatory requirements:

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

NO Notice to the Local Authority under section 47(5) of the Care Standards Act 2000 of failure(s) to satisfy regulatory requirements in their fostering service which are not substantial, and specifying the action the Commission considers the Authority should take to remedy the failure(s), informing the Secretary of State of that Notice: NO Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(4)(a) of the Care Standards Act of a failure by a Local Authority fostering service to satisfy regulatory requirements which is not considered substantial:

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

NO Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(1) of the Care Standards Act 2000 of substantial failure to satisfy regulatory requirements by a Local Authority fostering service:

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Implementation of Statutory Requirements from Last Inspection

Requirements from last Inspection visit fully actioned? YES

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Identified below are areas not addressed from the last inspection report which indicate a non-compliance with the Care Standards Act 2000 and Fostering Services Regulations 2002. No. Regulation Standard Required actions Timescale for action

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Action is being taken by the Commission for Social Care Inspection to monitor

compliance with the above requirements. Foster Care NCH Page 9

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registration are listed below, with the inspector's assessment of compliance from

the evidence at the time of this inspection.

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS IDENTIFIED DURING THIS INSPECTION

Action Plan: The appropriate Officer of the Local Authority or the Registered Person (as applicable) is requested to provide the Commission with an Action Plan, which indicates how requirements are to be addressed. This action plan will be made available on request to the Area Office.

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Identified below are areas addressed in the main body of the report which indicate non- compliance with the Care Standards Act 2000, the Children Act 1989, the Fostering Services Regulations 2002, or the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services. The Authority or Registered Person(s) is/are required to comply within the given time scales in order to comply with the Regulatory Requirements for fostering services. No. Regulation Standard * Requirement Timescale for action

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

Identified below are areas addressed in the main body of the report which relate to the National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice issues which should be considered for implementation by the Authority or Registered Person(s). No. Refer to Standard * Recommendation Action

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

* Note: You may refer to the relevant standard in the remainder of the report by omitting the 2-letter prefix e.g FS10 refers to Standard 10. Foster Care NCH Page 11

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

The following inspection methods have been used in the production of this report Number of Inspector days spent 3

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Survey of placing authorities YES Foster carer survey YES Foster children survey YES Checks with other organisations and Individuals NO • Directors of Social services NO • Child protection officer NO • Specialist advisor (s) NO • Local Foster Care Association NO Tracking Individual welfare arrangements YES • Interview with children YES • Interview with foster carers YES • Interview with agency staff YES • Contact with parents NO • Contact with supervising social workers NO • Examination of files YES Individual interview with manager YES Information from provider YES Individual interviews with key staff YES Group discussion with staff NO Interview with panel chair YES Observation of foster carer training NO Observation of foster panel NO Inspection of policy/practice documents YES Inspection of records YES Interview with individual child YES

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Date of Inspection 01/03/05 Time of Inspection 9.30 Duration Of Inspection (hrs) 18 Foster Care NCH Page 12 The following pages summarise the key findings and evidence from this inspection, together with the CSCI assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards have been met. The following scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

The scale ranges from: 4 - Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 - Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 - Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 - Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls)

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

"0" in the "Standard met?" box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. "9" in the "Standard met?" box denotes standard not applicable. “X” is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable. Foster Care NCH Page 13

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The intended outcome for the following standard is:

• There is clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and the fostering service ensures that they meet those aims and objectives.

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There is a clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and of

what facilities and services they provide. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Although this standard was not inspected in detail, the Inspector noted that the Children’s Guide has been re-designed since the previous inspection, with considerable input from the children who form the “children’s panel”. The Inspector was satisfied that the issue of providing information for children whose first language is not English is addressed appropriately. Foster Care NCH Page 14

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• The fostering service is provided and managed by those with the appropriate

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work efficiently and effectively and have the necessary knowledge and experience of

childcare and fostering to do so in a professional manner. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 There have been no changes since the previous inspection and therefore this standard was not assessed on this occasion.

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Any persons carrying on or managing the fostering service are suitable people to run

a business concerned with safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The Inspector was satisfied that those responsible for carrying on, or managing the Agency, are fit to do so. Foster Care NCH Page 15

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• The fostering service is managed ethically and efficiently, delivering a good quality foster care service and avoiding confusion and conflicts of role.

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

fostering service and ensuring quality performance. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 There have been no changes since the previous inspection and therefore this standard was not assessed on this occasion.

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Number of statutory notifications made to CSCI in last 12 months:

Death of a child placed with foster parents. 0

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Referral to Secretary of State of a person working for the service as

unsuitable to work with children. Serious illness or accident of a child. 1 Outbreak of serious infectious disease at a foster home. 0 Actual or suspected involvement of a child in prostitution. 0

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Serious incident relating to a foster child involving calling the police to a

foster home. Serious complaint about a foster parent. 1 Initiation of child protection enquiry involving a child. 8

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Serious incident relating to a foster child involving calling the police to a

Number of complaints made to CSCI about the agency in the past 12 months: 1 Number of the above complaints which were substantiated: 0

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Standard 5 (5.1 - 5.4)

The fostering service is managed effectively and efficiently. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 There have been no changes since the previous inspection and therefore this standard was not assessed on this occasion. Foster Care NCH Page 16

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• The fostering service promotes and safeguards the child/young person's physical, mental and emotional welfare.

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The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and

nurturing environment. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The Inspector was satisfied, through examining records and discussion and contact with foster carers and social workers, that this standard is met. There was evidence to show that homes are inspected regularly to ensure that they are safe, comfortable and meet the children’s needs. Foster carers confirmed that they had been adequately prepared for their fostering role through counselling, support meetings, initial training and on-going training in a variety of issues related to health and safety.

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The fostering service ensures that children and young people, and their families, are

provided with foster care services which value diversity and promote equality. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The Inspector noted that there was reference to equalities issues in the Agency’s literature and training programmes. Care is taken during the initial selection process to ensure that potential foster carers recognise and respect children’s needs in terms of disabilities, ethnic origin, religion, culture, language, sexuality, or gender. Carers confirmed that they are provided with training, support and practical advice to ensure that they can access any necessary services. Foster Care NCH Page 17

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carers only if they represent appropriate matches for a child for whom a local

authority is seeking a carer. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The Inspector acknowledges that there are practical issues around an ideal matching process and that it is sometimes necessary to consider various factors. There was reference in the files to show that factors such as ethnic origin, race, language, culture and religion are widely discussed. The Inspector was satisfied that where there have been emergency placements or trans-racial or trans-community placements, appropriate support and guidance has been provided.

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

neglect, exploitation and deprivation. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Foster carers and social workers confirmed that there is a high level of initial and on-going training provided to ensure that all staff are aware of the causes and effects of any form of child abuse, together with training on how best to meet the needs of the children affected. This is also set out clearly in written information provided to carers. Systems are in place to record, report and monitor any form of abuse. There was evidence to show that all child protection issues have been dealt with appropriately.

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encouraged to maintain and develop family contacts and friendships as set out in

her/his care plan and/or foster placement agreement. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Social workers and carers explained how contact has been enabled in individual cases, and there were numerous references in the children’s files to confirm that this Standard is met. Foster Care NCH Page 18

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others significant to the child, are sought over all issues that are likely to affect their

daily life and their future. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The Inspector was shown minutes of the children’s panel meetings, where children discuss a variety of issues. Although the minimum age for joining the panel is 12, younger children are given the opportunity to comment through the regular visits made by Social Workers. The children’s handbook has recently been updated to incorporate suggestions made by the children.

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training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

in decisions about her/his health needs. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The Foster carers interviewed confirmed that they are required to maintain daily records regarding the children’s health and welfare, activities etc, and that they were provided with training and guidelines in order to do this. The children confirmed that they are aware of what is written about them. There was evidence in the files to show that records and reports and carefully and regularly monitored, with any particular needs promptly attended to.

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child or young person in foster care and ensures that she/he is encouraged to attain

her/his full potential. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Again, there was written and verbal evidence to confirm that children are encouraged and assisted in developing their full potential, and that specialist help is accessed where necessary. Foster Care NCH Page 19

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The fostering service ensures that their foster care services help to develop skills,

competence and knowledge necessary for adult living. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 There have been no changes since the previous inspection and therefore this standard was not assessed on this occasion. Foster Care NCH Page 20

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• The people who work in or for the fostering service are suitable to work with

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number of staff and carers and their range of qualifications and experience are

sufficient to achieve the purposes and functions of the organisation.

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Any people working in or for the fostering service are suitable people to work with

children and young people and to safeguard and promote their welfare. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The Registered Manager, vice chairman of the panel, carers and other staff informed the Inspector that there is a rigorous recruitment and selection procedure, with CRB, local authority, and financial references sought, and that all medical and employment history checks are carried out prior to an in-depth competence based personal interview. There was written evidence to support this.

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Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

foster care service. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 There have been no changes since the previous inspection and therefore this standard was not assessed on this occasion. Foster Care NCH Page 21

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qualified staff and recruits a range of carers to meet the needs of children and young

people for whom it aims to provide a service. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The Inspector was satisfied that this standard is met. The social work team now comprises a fully qualified staff group, (except one who is due to qualify in June 05) and each social worker currently supports approximately 5 carers. Social Workers and carers confirmed that there is on-going training, either through formal in-house or external training sessions, or through a variety of informal networks.

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The fostering service is a fair and competent employer, with sound employment

practices and good support for its staff and carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The Inspector was satisfied that, as an organisation, NCH has sound employment practices and continues to meet this standard.

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There is a good quality training programme to enhance individual skills and to keep

staff up-to-date with professional and legal developments. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The Inspector was satisfied that, as an organisation, NCH has shown a commitment to providing good quality training and has improved in this respect since the last inspection. Foster Care NCH Page 22

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Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.5)

All staff are properly accountable and supported. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 Staff confirmed that they are made aware of their roles and responsibilities, have regular and productive supervision sessions and regular appraisals. All staff interviewed, social workers and carers, informed the Inspector that the support provided in the past twelve months has been over and above what could be expected.

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Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

The fostering service has a clear strategy for working with and supporting carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There are clear systems in place for ensuring that carers are regularly monitored and supported.

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The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

and helps them to develop their skills. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 The Inspector considered that there was sufficient confirmation from foster carers, either verbally or from the completed pre-inspection questionnaires, to indicate that the Agency is committed to the values in this Standard. Carers maintained that the level of supervision and support has been exemplary, particularly in emergency situations. Foster Care NCH Page 23

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their care3

Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 There have been no changes since the previous inspection and therefore this standard was not assessed on this occasion. Foster Care NCH Page 24

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• All appropriate records are kept and are accessible in relation to the fostering services and the individual foster carers and foster children.

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maintained for each child or young person in foster care which details the nature and

quality of care provided and contributes to an understanding of her/his life events.

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Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

anyone involved in her/his care. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The Inspector noted that all of the information provided and the contents of the case records were clearly set out and easily accessible. Children confirmed that they are able to ask to see what is written about them.

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The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

relevant to the running of the foster care service and as required by regulations. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 There have been no changes since the previous inspection and therefore this standard was not assessed on this occasion.

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The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

Number of current foster placements supported by the agency: 53 Number of placements made by the agency in the last 12 months: 8

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months:

Number of new foster carers approved during the last 12 months: 5 Number of foster carers who left the agency during the last 12 months: 2

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The intended outcome for the following standard is:

• The premises used as offices by the fostering service are suitable for the purpose.

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Standard 26 (26.1 - 26.5)

Premises used as offices by the fostering service are appropriate for the purpose. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 There have been no changes since the previous inspection and therefore this standard was not assessed on this occasion. Foster Care NCH Page 26

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• The agency fostering services are financially viable and appropriate and timely payments are made to foster carers.

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The agency ensures it is financially viable at all times and has sufficient financial

resources to fulfil its obligations. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 There have been no changes since the previous inspection and therefore this standard was not assessed on this occasion.

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The financial processes/systems of the agency are properly operated and maintained

in accordance with sound and appropriate accounting standards and practice. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 There have been no changes since the previous inspection and therefore this standard was not assessed on this occasion. Foster Care NCH Page 27

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cost of caring for each child or young person placed with him or her. Payments are

made promptly and at the agreed time. Allowances and fees are reviewed annually. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 There have been no changes since the previous inspection and therefore this standard was not assessed on this occasion. Foster Care NCH Page 28

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• Fostering panels are organised efficiently and effectively so as to ensure that

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Fostering panels have clear written policies and procedures, which are implemented

in practice, about the handling of their functions. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There are clear written policies and procedures to enable the panel to function effectively. The Inspector was satisfied, through discussion with the vice chairman of the panel, and examination of the minutes of the meetings, that the procedures are appropriately implemented. Foster Care NCH Page 29

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• When foster care is provided as a short-term break for a child, the arrangement recognises that the parents remain the main carers for the child.

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have policies and procedures, implemented in practice, to meet the particular needs

of children receiving short-term breaks. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 9 This standard is not applicable. Foster Care NCH Page 30

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• Local authority fostering services' policies and procedures for assessing,

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there is recognition of the particular relationship and position of family and friend

carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 9 This standard is not applicable. Foster Care NCH Page 31

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comments/confirmation relating to the content and accuracy of the report for

We would welcome comments on the content of this report relating to the Inspection conducted on 1 st to 3 rd March 2005 and any factual inaccuracies:

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comments/confirmation relating to the content and accuracy of the report for

Please limit your comments to one side of A4 if possible Foster Care NCH Page 33

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Action taken by the CSCI in response to the provider’s comments:

Amendments to the report were necessary YES

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Action taken by the CSCI in response to the provider’s comments:

Comments were received from the provider YES

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Action taken by the CSCI in response to the provider’s comments:

Provider factual amendments were incorporated into the final inspection report YES

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Action taken by the CSCI in response to the provider’s comments:

YES Provider comments are available on file at the Area Office but have not been incorporated into the final inspection report. The inspector believes the report to be factually accurate

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Note:

In instances where there is a major difference of view between the Inspector and the Registered Provider responsible Local Authority fostering service Manager both views will be made available on request to the Area Office.

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report:

Action plan was received at the point of publication

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report:

Action plan covers all the statutory requirements in a timely fashion

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report:

Action plan did not cover all the statutory requirements and required further discussion

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report:

Provider has declined to provide an action plan

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Public reports

It should be noted that all CSCI inspection reports are public documents. Reports on children’s homes are only obtainable on personal application to CSCI offices. Foster Care NCH Page 34

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Registered Person’s or responsible Local Authority Manager’s statement of

agreement/comments: Please complete the relevant section that applies.

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conducted on the above date(s) and that I agree with the statutory

requirements made and will seek to comply with these.

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Designation

Director of Children’s Services South East Region

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Date

Note: In instance where there is a profound difference of view between the Inspector and the Registered Provider both views will be reported. Please attach any extra pages, as applicable.

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Foster Care NCH / 1st March 2005

Commission for Social Care Inspection 33 Greycoat Street London SW1P 2QF

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Foster Care NCH / 1st March 2005

Telephone: 020 7979 2000 Fax: 020 7979 2111

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Foster Care NCH / 1st March 2005

National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 www.csci.org.uk

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Foster Care NCH / 1st March 2005

S0000038534.V199342.R01 © This report may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection

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Foster Care NCH / 1st March 2005

The paper used in this document is supplied from a sustainable source

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