Setting

Fostering Matters Ltd

19th & 20th July 2004 Fostering Services

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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. Fostering Matters Ltd Page 1

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Date of first registration Date of latest registration certificate

Date of last inspection N/A Fostering Matters Ltd Page 2 Date of Inspection Visit 19th July 2004 ID Code

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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 Fostering Matters Ltd. 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. Fostering Matters Ltd Page 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED. Fostering Matters is an independent Fostering agency who have been inspected for the first time in July 2004. Fostering Matters have a registered responsible individual and manager who are both social work qualified; they currently assess prospective foster carers. The agency’s Foster Care Panel is planned to be operational in Sept 2004. Fostering Matters Ltd 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 agency were registered in August 2004 and inspected for the first time in July 2004 as part of the registration process. There are a large number of areas the inspectors have not been able to assess fully at this early stage of operation and the report reflects this.

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1 STANDARD MET

The service has a Statement of purpose that describes the work of the company. The agency has a children’s guide.

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2 STANDARDS MET

Those involved in the management of the service have the necessary skills and experience to take on their respective roles and have successfully undergone the registration process

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1STANDARD NOT ASSESSED, 1 STANDARD NOT MET

The 2 staff are currently responsible for all aspects of the business, the human resource aspects are still to be completed

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9 STANDARDS NOT ASSESSED IN DETAIL

At this early stage there were aspects of the service that were not fully assessed. Some policies and procedures were in place including a comprehensive child protection policy

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9 STANDARDS NOT ASSESSED IN DETAIL

At the time of inspection the main focus of the agency was the recruitment and assessment of foster carers.

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2 STANDARDS NOT ASSESSED IN DETAIL

There were no children in placement at the time of inspection. Foster carers files were held securely.

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1 STANDARD MET

The premises used as offices are suitable for the purpose . Fostering Matters Ltd Page 7

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1 STANDARD NOT FULLY ASSESSED

The policies and procedures for the fostering panel were complete, training had been scheduled, and panel was to commence in Sept 2004 subject to all the required checks.

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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? NA

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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. Fostering Matters Ltd Page 10

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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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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

1 21 FS5 The Fostering Service Provider must ensure that all the Human Resource components of Reg 21 are fulfilled. TBA

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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

1 FS1 The agency is advised to make the process of the complaints procedure clear to young people.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

2 FS9 The agency should ensure that each foster home has a safe care policy for their household and family prior to approval and this is reviewed with each young person placed.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

3 FS16 The agency is advised to obtain professional supervision for the responsible individual and that all supervision should be documented.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

4 FS30 The agency is advised to continue to seek an independent member for Panel who has been placed with carers or whose child has been placed with carers.

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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. Fostering Matters Ltd Page 12

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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 4

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Survey of placing authorities NO Foster carer survey NO Foster children survey NO 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 NO • Interview with children NO • Interview with foster carers NO • Interview with agency staff NO • Contact with parents NO • Contact with supervising social workers NO • Examination of files NO Individual interview with manager YES Information from provider NO Individual interviews with key staff YES Group discussion with staff YES Interview with panel chair NO Observation of foster carer training NO Observation of foster panel NO Inspection of policy/practice documents YES Inspection of records NO Interview with individual child NO

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Date of Inspection 19/07/04 Time of Inspection 10.00 Duration Of Inspection (hrs) 32 Fostering Matters Ltd Page 13 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. Fostering Matters Ltd Page 14

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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

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

There is a clear statement of the agency’s aims, objectives and the services they intend to provide. There is a children’s guide that summarises the fostering service. The agency intends to make this guide available to young people on, or prior to, admission. It includes telephone numbers of an advocacy service for young people, and how to sort out concerns. The inspectors advise the agency to make the process of the complaints procedure clear to young people. The children’s guide is also available in C.D. format as an alternative method to communicate it to young people; the inspectors commend this. Fostering Matters Ltd Page 15

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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? 3 Both the responsible individual and registered manager are professionally qualified as social workers. Both have extensive experience of child protection work within local authority social work and have worked in and managed childcare team. Both also have previous experience of working in independent fostering agencies. The responsible individual has a Diploma in Social Work gained in 1995 and Diploma in Management Studies. The manager has a C.Q.S.W. gained in 1987and a Public service management post - graduate business degree.

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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 Enhanced C R Bs are held on both the responsible individual and the manager and, both have been satisfactorily fit person interviewed by C.S.C.I in July 2004 as part of the registration process. This process involves C.S.C.I satisfactorily verifying Schedule 1 information. This information must also be held in the agency office, Additionally telephone enquiries should be made to follow up written references on staff employed by the agency and as far as practicable, verification should be obtained and retained on file explaining why employment with children/vulnerable adults ended for staff employed (Schedule 1.4). Fostering Matters Ltd Page 16

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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 It is not possible to fully assess this standard at this inspection. Fostering Matters are currently a very small agency with 2 full time staff members, the registered manager and responsible individual.

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

Financial information provided was clear for the purchasers of services.

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

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

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

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. 0 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. 0 Initiation of child protection enquiry involving a child. 0

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0

Number of complaints made to CSCI about the agency in the past 12 months: 0 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 The agency have yet to complete the human resource components and will be completing job descriptions/duties /responsibilities/salaries/hours of work before appointing other staff. The agency have stated that their current arrangements are for each member of staff to cover for the other during leave /absence. Future contingency arrangements are still to be confirmed. Fostering Matters Ltd Page 17

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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? 0 It is not possible to assess this standard fully at this inspection. Carers are currently assessed by qualified social workers using the BAAF F format and the competency based element S 4, This assessment is submitted to Foster Care Panel to make recommendations about the carers suitability to foster to the Director of Fostering Matters. Health and safety questionnaires are conducted as part of this assessment and cover checking car safety, pets and guns.

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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? 0 It is not possible to fully assess this standard at this inspection The agency reported that they are currently recruiting carers and undertaking assessments on prospective carers, which include couples who are, of the same gender, Muslim, Jehovah Witness, black, Welsh and Protestant. Fostering Matters Ltd Page 18

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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? 0 It is not possible to fully assess this standard at this inspection, as the service is not yet operational. Evidence from the B.A.A.F assessment of carers, and evidence from the response to fit persons interviews, indicates clear understanding of the issues.

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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? 0 The agency has a comprehensive child protection policy and it is made clear that carers will not administer physical punishment. Systems are in place to monitor and collate information on child abuse allegations. The agency is planning to subscribe carers to Fostering Network, where a helpline is available. Appropriate child protection training is reported to be provided during the pre- approval training for carers, with plans to continue more specific training post -approval. The inspectors recommend that each foster home has a safe care policy for their household/ family prior to their approval and that this is then reviewed with each young person placed. The agency recognises bullying as an issue for young people and have produced an anti - bullying policy. The Agency has a clear written procedure to be followed for children missing from

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

placements. The inspectors recognise the considerable child protection experience of both the responsible individual and the registered manager, which should stand the service in good stead in this area.

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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? 0 It is not possible to fully assess this standard until young people are placed. There are procedures for young people in placement maintaining appropriate contacts, and the agency state they will be able to facilitate contact if this is problematic at the foster home. Contact and the importance of appropriate contact are covered in the pre approval training for carers.

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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? 0 The young person’s guide contains details of how to appropriately raise concerns about day –to- day matters .The inspectors advise a clear statement is made about the steps that are taken after a concern is raised and refer the young people to the complaints procedure and its time scales. Whilst there are not yet any young people in placement with the agency to consult, the inspectors advise this is an area, which the agency should consider in more depth and afterwards include in their statement of purpose.

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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? 0 Fostering Matters Ltd Page 20

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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? 0 The agency state they are able to provide education support to those young people placed should their placing authority request it.

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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 It is not possible to assess this standard at this inspection. The agency state they are currently undertaking assessments on potential carers for young people who are preparing for independence. Fostering Matters Ltd Page 21

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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? 0 It is not possible to fully assess this standard at this inspection The two staff currently in the agency have the relevant qualifications, experience and knowledge to work with, safeguard and promote the welfare of young people. The agency reported that all Panel members had applied for CRB clearance and at the time of the inspection most of the members of panel had received CRB clearance. When the agency expands and needs to recruit staff recruitment and selection procedures will need to be developed which met the requirements of Schedule 1.4 and include telephone checks on staff employed.

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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 It is not possible to assess this standard fully at this inspection as the agency is in the very early stages of operation. When there are no staff in the office, the phones are currently diverted to one of the 2 social work staff. The agency states that when it expands/develops the appointment of an administrator would be the first priority, followed by a social work appointment. The agency states a maximum workload of 1:10 carers for each worker, but at this early stage this will also include assessment and training of carers. Job descriptions/contracts and conditions of service will be in place for new staff appointed and supervision of staff will be formalised. The inspectors advise that professional supervision is sought for the responsible Individual that the current supervision of the existing staff is documented. The agency advises that reviews of all carers will, at this early stage of their operation, go to

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

Foster care panel. The agency have policies on staff disciplinary procedures and equal opportunity. Health and safety policies are still to be finalised . Fostering Matters Ltd Page 22

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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? 0 At this early stage of the agency is development, the two existing staff are recruiting carers and undertaking assessments. There were sufficient staff at the time of the inspection for the tasks currently undertaken Assessments were being carried out in line with BAAF F and S4: the assessment process for carers was clear. A range of carers were being assessed at the time of the inspection. The agency reported that all personnel procedures for staff were still to be finalised.

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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? 0 At this early stage of the agency operation it was not possible to fully inspect this standard The agency state that carers will be supported 24 hours, by staff known to them, and that carers will receive supervision as and when required, but as a minimum at monthly intervals. Clearly, appraisals will not yet be due The agency have public liability and professional indemnity insurance cover commencing on 15/9/04 and have a clear whistle-blowing policy.

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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? 0 It is not possible to assess this standard at this inspection. The current staff are well motivated to keep up to date with professional developments.

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

Joint training with carers is currently done at the pre approval stage; post approval training is in the planning stages. Fostering Matters Ltd Page 23

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Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.5)

All staff are properly accountable and supported. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 Within this small agency duties and responsibilities are shared and much informal supervision and communication takes place. It is recommended that supervision /team meeting, appraisals and records of meetings between the director and responsible individual are recorded and systems set in place in preparation the expansion of the agency. Supervision is currently on a buddying basis between the 2 staff members of the agency. The inspectors advise some external supervision of the responsible individual for objectivity.

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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? 0 It is not possible to fully assess this standard. The agency state carers will receive 24-hour support and regular supervision from the agency workers.

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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? 0 It is not possible to fully assess this standard at this inspection Each carer will have a named, qualified social worker who will provide supervision, support and training. Foster Carer agreements have been drawn up which include: supervision and support recording, training, review and placement procedures.

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

A Foster Carers Handbook was being finalised at the time of the inspection Fostering Matters Ltd Page 24

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provide high quality care and meet the needs of each child/young person placed in

their care. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 It is not possible to fully assess this standard at this inspection. All prospective carers will undertake pre-approval training. Staff intend to support carers fully and provide individual training as required in the first instance. The Agency has requested that carers initially access local courses for first aid, health and safety and food hygiene. Fostering Matters Ltd Page 25

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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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events. 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? 0 It is not possible to fully assess this standard at this inspection. Prior to placement carers are be given lockable files in which to retain confidential information. There is a written agency policy referring to records for children.

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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 is an agency policy detailing records relating to carers, staff, children, complaints and allegations.

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The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

Number of current foster placements supported by the agency: 0 Number of placements made by the agency in the last 12 months: 0

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months:

Number of new foster carers approved during the last 12 months: 0 Number of foster carers who left the agency during the last 12 months: 0

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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? 3 The office is identifiable and accessible during normal office hours, when staff are present. It consists of two rooms, one for the social work staff and one for the proposed administrator Both rooms are independently lockable and the main building door is kept locked and is accessible only by registered key holders to the building or their occupants. The I.T system is reported as being password protected; the agency possess a comprehensive information technology security policy. The insurance cover note was available on inspection. Fostering Matters Ltd Page 27

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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 Fostering Matters is a new fostering agency and at this stage reports that they have sufficient resources to fulfil their obligations. This standard has not been fully inspected at this inspection.

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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 The agency has an accounting policy and procedure in place for sound financial planning and monitoring, but it is not possible to fully assess this standard at this inspection as the agency is not operational. Fostering Matters Ltd Page 28

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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 It is not possible to fully assess this standard at this inspection. The agency has a written policy on payments to carers, which includes a clear breakdown of fees and allowances. It carefully defines the expectation of the agency in respect of the allowances for caring for young people, which is helpful without being prescriptive. The agency states each carer will receive a yearly breakdown of payments received. Carers will be paid fortnightly, directly into their bank accounts. The agency reports that fostering fees and allowances will be reviewed annually. Fostering Matters Ltd Page 29

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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? 0 It is not possible to fully assess this standard at this inspection, however: A panel procedure has been established and a panel appointed. The agency director, responsible individual and registered manager are all members. The chair of Panel is an experienced member of staff of a Social Services Department, a vice chair has been appointed. The independent members represent health (registered mental health nurse), early years, education and a current foster carer from another independent agency. Medical expertise to panel is reported to be via the health professional who is able to access advice from an independent G.P. As yet there is no representation by an independent member who has been fostered or whose child has been fostered.

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

The service has provided appropriate foster panel procedures, which set out: the membership required; the functions of panel; the decision making process, including where there is disagreement; the protocol for panel members; guidelines for prospective and approved carers attending panel; and the procedure for ensuring turn over of panel members. This guidance identifies the agency decision maker as the Director of Fostering Matters. The panel members have met for Panel training; applications forms and confidentiality agreements have been completed; CRB’s and references on all members have been requested. A panel date has been set for Sept 2004, pending successful outcomes on these checks. The inspectors noted the thorough application that has been given to this process to date, and the helpful aide memoir for panel members. Fostering Matters Ltd Page 30

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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 These standards are not applicable. Fostering Matters Ltd Page 31

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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 These standards are not applicable. Fostering Matters Ltd Page 32

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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 19 th & 20 th July 2004 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 Fostering Matters Ltd Page 34

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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 comments/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:

NO 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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to be addressed and stating a clear timescale for completion. This will be

kept on file and made available on request.

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report:

Action plan was received at the point of publication YES

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report:

Action plan covers all the statutory requirements in a timely fashion YES

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report:

Action plan did not cover all the statutory requirements and required further discussion NO

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report:

Provider has declined to provide an action plan NO

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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. Fostering Matters Ltd Page 35

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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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inspection 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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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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Fostering Matters Ltd / 19th & 20th July 2004

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

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Fostering Matters Ltd / 19th & 20th July 2004

Telephone: 020 7979 2000 Fax: 020 7979 2111

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Fostering Matters Ltd / 19th & 20th July 2004

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

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Fostering Matters Ltd / 19th & 20th July 2004

S0000061740.V170396.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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Fostering Matters Ltd / 19th & 20th July 2004

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

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