Setting

X10029.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 FOSTERING SERVICE

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Lead Inspector Peter Allcock Key Announced Inspection 20th July 2006 10:00 Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to:

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• 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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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 Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.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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RM11 1BG

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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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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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. Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4

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Name of service

Address Seafields House 29/31 Malvern Road Hornchurch Essex RM11 1BG

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manager (if applicable)

Type of registration Fostering Agencies Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5

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Brief Description of the Service:

Seafields is an Independent Fostering Agency, which was established in 1996, and operates from a main office based in Hornchurch. The agency has a sister company Homefields, which provides permanent placements. Carers are widely dispersed throughout the home counties and additional offices operate from Newick and Newmarket.

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Brief Description of the Service:

The agency provides a range of services including short and long term fostering, including sibling groups, for children between 0-18 years of age. Local authorities commission all placements, and the Pan London Consortium has approved Seafields Fostering Agency as a fostering service provider.

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Brief Description of the Service:

The service aims to meet the identified needs of children and young people placed with them and to fully support foster carers with that task, placing a strong emphasis on support, training and supervision of staff and foster carers with the aim of providing a high standard of safe care to the children and young people placed with them.

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Brief Description of the Service:

The significant management changes in the agency made last year, which although causing some concern and unease both for staff in the agency and foster carers, have resulted in a more professional response to the requirements of registration and operation as an Independent Fostering Agency under the Care Standards Act 2000. Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.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

This inspection was undertaken on an announced basis by Peter Allcock, who would like to thank the staff of the agency for their positive approach to the inspection and their support of the inspection process. The inspector would also like to thank the foster carers, children and young people who sent in questionnaires, and those who were visited who happily gave up their time to discuss fostering with the inspector.

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SUMMARY

The overall impression was of an agency with a strong commitment to providing positive experiences to children and young people who it places by providing support and training for the carers and staff. The inspector has some concerns a with regard to the poor quality of information on children and young people’s files but is confident that there are now systems in place to address these deficiencies.

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SUMMARY

The inspector commends the work undertaken by the agency to support the birth children of foster carers and the support of contact and preparation for adulthood provided by the agency.

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What the service does well:

Children and young people are cared for by an agency, which generally safeguards their welfare, values diversity and promotes equality. The support of contact and preparation for adulthood are areas of practice, which exceed the national minimum standard, and children and young people are consulted about matters that affect both their day-to-day lives and their future. The agency is well managed and has appropriate systems in place to monitor its performance. Children and young people benefit from placements in safe homes, which promote their educational achievement, and from the support and training provided by foster carers and supervising social workers.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Following the last inspection, two requirements and four good practice recommendations were made. The two requirements have been met, which mean that there are now two written references on file for each and every member of staff employed by the agency, and that each foster household is reviewed annually.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The agency has provided moving and handling training for carers of children and young people with physical disabilities, and all the agencies social workers receive monthly supervision. Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7

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What they could do better:

Whilst there is evidence of much good practice in the operation of this agency, it is essential that over the next twelve months they bring their record keeping up to an acceptable standard as failure to do so may compromise the welfare of children and young people, particularly with regard to the information foster carers need to put care plans into practice and to meet the health needs of the children and young people who are placed with them.

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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. Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8

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CONTENTS

Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.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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12

Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service.

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12

Whilst there is evidence of positive health outcomes for children and young people cared for by the agency, the absence of appropriate records may place the health and welfare at risk, particularly in emergency situations.

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NMS 12 – Health and Development

Evidence from records seen during this inspection, and discussion with foster carers and children seen during this inspection suggest that all young people are registered with a GP, and that appointments with medical practitioners such as dentists and doctors were made as necessary. Where necessary, the agency supplies staff to support foster carers in attending hospital appointments. The foster carers visited during this inspection were clear as to their responsibilities towards children and young people’s health, and were willing and able to act as advocates for children and young people to ensure that their health needs are met. A number of foster carers have received specialist training in areas such as epilepsy, manual handling and tube feeding, to meet the particular needs of children and young people who are placed with them.

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NMS 12 – Health and Development

Records of the visits made by link workers show that young people’s health is monitored by the agency on a regular basis during these visits. The agency has recently developed systems to monitor when children and young people are referred to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), or other therapeutic services, so that they can ensure that vulnerable young people placed with them receive the services they require. Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Records held by the agency demonstrate that 93% of the young people placed by the agency have received an annual health check in the last twelve months. It is recommended that the agency identify and work with the remaining 7% to ensure either that they have a medical, or receive advice and their refusal be documented on their files.

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NMS 12 – Health and Development

Young people and children who returned questionnaires said that they were encouraged by their carers to enjoy a healthy lifestyle including a wholesome diet and regular exercise.

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NMS 12 – Health and Development

Young people’s files seen during this inspection did not contain appropriate Looked After Children records, and in a significant number of cases there was no record of who can give consent for medical treatment. This can potentially place foster carers in a difficult position when treatment may be required urgently, and may have a negative impact on children and young people’s health and welfare. The responsible persons must ensure that there is a written record of consent for medical treatment for all the children and young people placed by the agency, and that a copy of this consent is held on the child/young persons file by the agency, and an additional copy is held by the foster carer in respect of each child/young person placed by them. Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.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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3, 6, 8, 9, 15, 30

Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service.

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3, 6, 8, 9, 15, 30

There are policies and procedures in place to safeguard the welfare of children and young people who have been placed by an agency, which is able to develop practice in the light of operational experience.

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NMS 3 - The Registered Persons

Documentation held by the Commission for Social Care Inspection as part of the registration process, and staff files held by the agency, contain evidence that demonstrate that the appropriate checks and references have been undertaken to ensure that the persons carrying on and managing the agency, are suitable persons to run a business concerned with safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

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NMS 6 – Foster Carers

The inspector visited three foster carers, all of whom were providing safe, healthy and nurturing environments for the children and young people who are Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 placed with them. A health and safety assessment of foster carers homes is undertaken as part of their initial assessment, and there was evidence in the records seen during this inspection that these are updated annually and presented to panel as part of the carers review. These assessments are comprehensive and detailed. Foster carers are given written guidance on health and safety, and basic health and safety is included in foster carers introductory training. The agency also issues separate written guidance to staff and carers on managing stress.

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NMS 6 – Foster Carers

All three foster carers visited during this inspection were aware that they could be interviewed or visited as part of the Commission’s inspection processes.

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NMS 8 – Matching

Matching was discussed with the manager of the agency, two social workers and the placements officer. There are clearly difficulties in receiving sufficient information from some local authorities on which to make an appropriate decision as to which foster carer may be able to best meet a young persons needs. During this inspection, the inspector noted one referral contained very little information about the young person, and that the placement officer had contacted the local authority to seek further information. Once the agency has received sufficient information, the needs of a child or young person are discussed with a potential foster carer, and if the carer is able to take the young person, the carers details are sent to the placing authority who make the decision to match the young person with the carer or not.

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NMS 8 – Matching

The social workers spoken to during this inspection described that where possible, an introduction is undertaken giving the child/young person the opportunity to visit their prospective foster carer prior to placement. Records seen in the home suggest that this does not happen in all instances, particularly where the placement is made in an emergency, or there is a very short timescale between referral and the need for the placement.

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NMS 8 – Matching

Foster carers spoken to during this inspection felt that although there were occasions when they felt they had insufficient information about the child placed with them, but that this was generally due to the placing authority not providing the information, and a degree of confidence was expressed by foster carers that if Seafields knew the information, then it would be passed on to them. This view was echoed by four of the five foster carers who returned questionnaires.

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NMS 9 – Safeguarding

The inspector discussed safeguarding issues at length with the responsible persons, as a current allegation has focussed the agency’s attention on this Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 area of practice, and the senior staff of the agency has updated their policies and procedures to provide more detail to carers on the process when allegations are made against them. The responsible persons told the inspector that all foster carers are now members of the Fostering Network, and can access the advice and support services that this organisation provides, in addition to that provided by Seafields.

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NMS 9 – Safeguarding

There are policies and procedures in place to manage unauthorised absence and bullying, and none of the children and young people who returned questionnaires or who were spoken to during this inspection said that they were being bullied. Bullying and how to deal with it are also included on the agencies information CD for young people.

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NMS 9 – Safeguarding

Appropriate guidance is given to foster carers on appropriate methods to manage difficult behaviour, and this guidance explicitly states that any form of corporal punishment must not be used.

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NMS 15 - Staff

The agency has written policies and procedures for the recruitment and selection of staff. At the last inspection, a requirement was made that there be two written references on file for all staff employed by the agency. During this inspection, the inspector examined five staff files, all of which contained two references, so the inspector considers that this requirement has been met. The staff files contained all the information required under regulation 20 schedule 1, to ensure that staff employed by the agency are appropriate and fit persons to work with children and young people.

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NMS 15 - Staff

Evidence of the assessment and approval of foster carers showed that these tasks were undertaken by appropriately qualified and experienced staff. A discussion with two social workers during this inspection showed that they were both very knowledgeable and experienced in all the areas set out under national minimum standard 15.5, such as relevant legislation, the framework for the assessment of children in need, children’s growth and development, and were able to promote equality and diversity and uphold the rights of the children and young people placed by the agency.

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NMS 30 – Fostering Panel

The inspector attended the panel meeting held on the 25 th July 2006, and read the minutes of the three previous panel meetings.

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NMS 30 – Fostering Panel

The composition of the panel meets the professional and experience criteria set out in regulation 24 of The Fostering Services Regulations 2002, and records Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 maintained by the agency demonstrated that panel members have been interviewed and the appropriate checks and references satisfactorily completed prior to members sitting on the panel.

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NMS 30 – Fostering Panel

The agency has a written protocol for the operation of its panel, and this includes the process to ensure a decision is made where panel members disagree, though the usual aim of the panel is to reach a consensus in its decision-making.

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NMS 30 – Fostering Panel

The panel meeting observed by the inspector considered one form F assessment and the household reviews of three of the agencies carers. The panel asked relevant questions of the presenting social worker, and sought information and advice from the panel adviser as appropriate.

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NMS 30 – Fostering Panel

The agency provides written guidance to prospective foster carers about the operation of the panel, and the inspector noted that the prospective foster carers attended the panel and the efforts made by the panel to ensure that this potentially daunting experience was relaxed and comfortable for the carers. Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15

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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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7, 13, 31

Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service.

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7, 13, 31

Children and young people benefit from foster carers who value diversity, promote equality, and support their educational achievement.

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NMS 7 – Diversity

The agency has recruited foster carers, whose backgrounds broadly reflect those of the children and young people that it places. Discussion with foster carers showed that they value diversity and promote equality, and the agency supports this through assessment of foster carers skills in this area prior to approval, and ongoing training through detailed work packs and support. Equalities issues are considered by the agency’s placement team as part of their decision making process as to which foster carer may be best placed to meet the needs of children and young people referred by local authorities.

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NMS 13 – Education

Children and Young people visited during this inspection were all attending appropriate educational services, and foster carers were able to describe how they supported the education of the children and young people living with Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 them. The foster carers agreement sets out responsibilities for the payment of costs associated with education, and foster carers attend meetings with teachers, parents evenings and there was evidence on a number of files of how foster carers have been pro-active in contacting local authorities to arrange suitable school placements. The agency has worked hard to try and ensure that there are alternatives for young people currently benefiting from education, so that it is not disrupted by a change of placement on their sixteenth birthday. Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17

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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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10, 11

Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service.

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10, 11

Children and young people know that the agency and foster carers will support the maintenance of relationships, which are important to them through the extensive systems in place to promote and enable appropriate contact. The opportunities available for consultation give children and young people a say in matters that affect their daily lives and their future.

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NMS 10 – Contact

The agency provides its foster carers with written guidance and clear procedures for maintaining appropriate contact between children and young people and their family and friends. Contact arrangements are recorded in the Foster Placement Agreement and the child/young person’s Care Plan. The inspector was told that the agency would seek this information from placing authorities if it had not been provided. Two of the carers visited by the inspector described how they kept a written record of contact, and recorded any significant outcomes from these sessions. Records seen during this inspection showed that foster carers are in some cases supporting almost daily contact, particularly when younger children are placed with them. Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 The agency operates a contact suite within the main office building, and there are toys, tea and soft drinks available. This allows families to have contact in a

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NMS 10 – Contact

neutral setting and with trained contact supervisors who provide observational reports to inform the care plan. The child/young person is on occasion transported to and from the contact suite by the contact supervisor, whom they will have had the opportunity to meet and become familiar with, prior to the first contact. The inspector was told that if contact was to occur at another setting, attempts are made to ensure that an escort familiar to the child/young person is made available, however these arrangements are ultimately the responsibility of the placing authority.

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NMS 11 – Consultation

The foster carers who the inspector met during this inspection were clearly listening to and acting upon the views of the children and young people placed with them. Two young people described to the inspector how they were asked about the food they ate, activities they undertook, and that their foster carers always asked gave them a chance to say if they were happy or not. A number of children and young people described how their social worker always spoke to them on their own so that they could say what they felt about the foster home they were living in. All the young people spoken to during this inspection confirmed that they could attend their reviews, and they felt that their views were sought and listened to.

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NMS 11 – Consultation

All but one of the young people’s questionnaires showed that children and young people are aware of how to complain. Seafields have developed some written information for fostered children on “how to complain” in a format that is user friendly and age appropriate, and how to make a complaint is also included on a CD produced by the agency to provide information to children and young who either find reading difficult or find visually presented information more accessible. Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19

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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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4, 29

Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service.

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4, 29

Young people benefit from the innovative approaches taken by the agency to ensure that they are prepared to move on at a time that is most appropriate to them, and from the re-assurance that their carers are paid allowances and expenses to meet the costs of their care.

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NMS 14 – Preparation for Adulthood

At the last inspection, it was recommended that the agency develop a formalised and planned approach to promoting independence skills. The agency have produced a workbook for foster carers which supports written guidelines in assisting young people to develop the skills they will need for adult living. The guidelines also provide information on pathway planning and assessment and action records, and specific guidance on matters such as education, employment, housing, sexual relationships and self-esteem. It is recommended that the contact details for useful organisations be tailored to the area in which young people are living.

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NMS 14 – Preparation for Adulthood

The agency has responded flexibly to meet the needs of individual young people who may be required to move to on to semi-independent living as a result of their placing authorities policies on placing young people aged 16 and over. Senior staff described how many young people are not ready for such a move, and that educational achievement can be affected and social networks broken. In some cases the agency has responded by re-negotiating with foster carers and placing authorities so that the placing authority pays the same rate Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 as it would for semi independent living direct to the foster carer, the agency does not receive a fee but continues to provide the foster carer with support. The inspector commends this flexible approach to meeting the needs of vulnerable young people at a significant time in their lives.

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NMS 29 – Allowances and Expenses

The agency has a policy and procedures, which set out the allowances and fees payable to foster carers. Foster carers spoken to during this inspection told the inspector that they were paid their allowances on time, and that agreed expenses were re-imbursed promptly by the agency. Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21

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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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1, 4, 17, 19, 21, 24

Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service.

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1, 4, 17, 19, 21, 24

Children and young people benefit from placements with carers who are well trained and supported and which are supervised by qualified and experienced social workers who are appropriately supported by the agency. Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22

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NMS 1 – Statement of Purpose

The agency has a statement of purpose, which includes all the matters as set out in regulation 3 of The Fostering Services Regulations 2002, and children and young people are given a copy of the agencies children’s guide when their placement begins as required in regulation 3(3) of The Fostering Services Regulations 2002.

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NMS 4 – Monitoring

There are job descriptions setting out the roles and responsibilities of the manager and staff employed by the agency. Discussion between the inspector and the responsible persons evidenced a clear understanding of their joint and separate responsibilities in the provision of the service.

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NMS 4 – Monitoring

Social work staff spoken to during this inspection had a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, and understood to whom they were accountable for their work. The responsible persons described how accountability is maintained by regular staff supervision and appraisal.

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NMS 4 – Monitoring

There are systems in place to monitor the performance of the agency, and written information is provided to purchasers of the service with regard to the charges made for the services provided by the agency, the cost of providing additional services if required and the fee paid to foster carers.

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NMS 17 - Experience and Qualifications of Staff and Carers

The inspector interviewed two social work staff during this inspection, and viewed the files of these two staff and four others. Social workers employed by the agency are qualified, have relevant childcare experience, and are employed under clear terms and conditions, and supported by regular supervision and appraisal. Foster carers are given the opportunity to be involved in the recruitment and selection of the agency’s social workers.

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NMS 17 - Experience and Qualifications of Staff and Carers

The assessment of prospective foster carers is based on guidance issued by the British Association of Adoption and Fostering, and the assessment includes consideration of prospective foster carers competencies to foster, and the completion of the detailed form F, a procedure which includes consideration of all the matters set out in national minimum standards 17.6 and 17.7 in considering the suitability of applicants to become foster carers. Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23

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NMS 19 – Training Programme

Two social work staff spoke of the agency as being “ very supportive of staff training”, and examination of staff records demonstrated that staff had been supported to access a number of training opportunities. The training and development needs of staff are identified as part of their annual appraisal, and foster carers training needs are assessed as part of their annual review. Four of the five foster carers spoken to during this inspection spoke positively about the training opportunities provided by the agency, which recently has included first aid, attachment, working with parents who have a mental illness, managing children with autistic spectrum disorders and special guardianship.

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NMS 19 – Training Programme

Joint training between fostering service staff and foster carers is held on a regular basis.

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NMS 21 – Supporting Carers

The role of supervising social worker is clearly set out in the job description provided by the agency, and the foster carer agreement sets out the support that foster carers can expect from the agency, including arrangements for respite care, out of hours support and the arrangements for reviews. Foster carer records seen during this inspection showed that annual reviews were occurring as required, and observation of the panel demonstrated detailed oversight of the review reports presented by supervising social workers.

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NMS 21 – Supporting Carers

Foster carers visited during this inspection were generally positive about the support they were given, and supervising social workers allow a flexible approach to the frequency of visits dependant on the experience of foster carers and the degree of support that they need to meet the needs of children and young people placed with them. Foster carers who expressed an opinion felt supported by the agencies out of hours support arrangements. There are monthly foster carers groups, which focus either on support issues or training. The agency puts these sessions on at two venues in Brentwood and Hornchurch to facilitate attendance by foster carers.

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NMS 21 – Supporting Carers

The agency has put on two events for the birth children of foster carers, which have allowed them not only to enjoy social activities together, but created an opportunity to share their experiences of fostering, and openly discuss their feelings about difficult situations such as having to put up with foster children being rude or disrespectful to their parents. The inspector commends this work with a group of young people, who whilst essential to the fostering task, rarely have the opportunity to express their views on fostering. Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24

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NMS 24 – Case Records

At the last inspection, a recommendation was made that the agency must ensure that young peoples case files contain all the information received from the point of referral to the point where the child ceases to be accommodated by Seafields carers. As noted under national minimum standard 12, incomplete information may have a negative impact on children and young people’s health and welfare.

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NMS 24 – Case Records

The inspector spoke at length with both social work staff and the responsible persons with regard to the lack of information available on a significant number of young people’s files seen during this inspection. There was evidence to suggest that some progress has been made in improving the quality of information held by the agency, and the inspector was shown two files, which had been set up using a new format, which were a significant improvement. The registered manager also told the inspector that there was now a system of regular monitoring of the quality of files. It is clear that given the work undertaken by the agency to develop its direct care services, such as foster carer support and training, and development of support for foster carers birth children that this aspect of the agency’s work has not been prioritised, and this recommendation is restated based on the assurance of the responsible persons

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NMS 24 – Case Records

that this work will be a priority over the forthcoming year. Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25

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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 2 Standard No Score 14 4 STAYING SAFE 29 3 Standard No Score 3 3 MANAGEMENT 6 3 Standard No Score 8 3 1 3 9 3 2 X 15 3 4 3 30 3 5 X 16 X ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING 17 3 Standard No Score 18 X 7 3 19 3 13 3 20 X 31 X 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 N/A Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 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 1 FS12 15(1) The responsible persons must ensure that there is a written record of consent for medical treatment for all the children and young people placed by the agency, and that a copy of this consent is held on the child/young persons file by the agency, and an additional copy is held by the foster carer in respect of each child/young person placed by them. 30/11/06

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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 FS24 The agency must ensure that young peoples case files contain all the information received from the point of referral to the point where the child ceases to be accommodated by Seafields carers. Seafields Fostering Agency DS0000033806.V300766.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

Ilford Area Office Ferguson House 113 Cranbrook Road Ilford IG1 4PU

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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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