Setting

X10029.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 FOSTERING SERVICE

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Lead Inspector Joe Staines Announced Inspection 26th June 2006 10:00 National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.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 National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.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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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. National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4

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Name of service

Address Owl House Battery Green Lowestoft Suffolk NR32 1DH

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Email address

Provider Web address www.thefosteringagency.org.uk

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manager (if applicable)

Type of registration Fostering Agencies National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5

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Conditions of registration:

Date of last inspection 27th February 2006

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Brief Description of the Service:

The National Fostering Agency (Anglia) is a branch of a larger National Fostering Agency whose headquarters are based in London.

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Brief Description of the Service:

The agency provided an independent fostering service for children who, for a range of different reasons, had been assessed as requiring foster care. The offices of the agency were based in Lowestoft, Suffolk, however as a result of expansion, the agency supported the work of foster carers across the East Anglia and Midlands region. The agency had a sub office in Solihull, where placement consultants, who were all home based, met to have team meetings. These offices had computer terminals that placement consultants could access, although they were all set up with computer access to the agency’s systems via their home base. Panels were accessed by Midlands carers at whichever regional office was convenient in terms of distance and times for sitting. The registered manager, and senior placement consultant for the Midlands area confirmed that training for carers and agency staff were provided at locally

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Brief Description of the Service:

hired venues to facilitate attendance. The registered manager for both offices is officially based at Lowestoft, but in reality spends a lot of time travelling between the office in Lowestoft and the sub office in Solihull. Both offices share the same statement of purpose, policies, procedures, record keeping systems and electronic database.

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Brief Description of the Service:

At the time of this inspection, the agency was supporting 262 children in foster placements. There were 240 sets of approved foster carers. Some foster carers were in partnerships and others were single parents. Placements included long term, short term, bridging, respite, and through to independence arrangements.

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Brief Description of the Service:

The Pre Inspection Questionnaire provided before the inspection of February 2006 confirmed that the agency staff now comprised Mr Nigel Pickering, the Regional Director, one Area Manager, a Duty Manager, two Senior Placement Consultants, fifteen Placement consultants, One Senior Administrator, One Duty Consultant and two Administrators. The Registered Manager informed inspectors that in addition, the agency used professional, qualified social workers on a sessional basis to undertake some of it’s assessment work, subject to the consent of each person’s own employer, in that regard. National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 The agency has its own Approval Panel, suitably comprised and supported.

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Brief Description of the Service:

The agency benefited from being part of a larger organisation, with corporate policies and procedures and support. It had established itself as a major provider of fostering services in the region.

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Brief Description of the Service:

The agency has a history of providing carers to unaccompanied asylum seekers. National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7

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SUMMARY

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

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SUMMARY

This key announced inspection was undertaken by Joe Staines, Regulatory Inspector, and David Welch, Regulatory Inspector from Norfolk. The timing of the inspection was prompted by a number of notifications and child protection strategy meetings, which raised concerns about the agency’s practices. The fieldwork for the inspection included the scrutiny of both current and historical records relating to the approval, monitoring and supervision of carers. Interviews were undertaken with the agency’s quality assurance director, Duty manager and director of support/systems. Group discussions were held with 8 placement consultants. One inspector joined carers at a support group meeting and visited 6 carers in their own homes. 15 telephone interviews were also conducted with foster carers. Records held by local authorities were examined in relation to background information about the approval process of carers in

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SUMMARY

the past. During the course of the inspection, the registered manager and all staff of the agency were open, facilitated inteviews and provided all the requested documentation.

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SUMMARY

This inspection found the agency to be currently working well, with high levels of satisfaction from carers, good procedures for recruiting, managing and supporting carers and staff. Inspectors observed carers providing high quality care to children with a wide range of complex and challenging needs. The guidance and expectations of staff in relation to bullying were particularly noteworthy. Some minor shortfalls were identified in relation to staff and carer training, risk assessments in relation to carers premises’. Those using the service can be assured current practice is sound. However, previous shortfalls and some current practices have led to children being placed in vulnerable positions in the past, and the agency must ensure these do not reoccur.

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SUMMARY

The lead inspector was concerned that the geographical distance between offices led to a situation where registration of the Solihull office may be required, and the agency has been advised that The Commission for Social Care Inspection will write to the agency, detailing the factors that determine the definition of a branch. The agency will then confirm what action it intends to take in respect of this matter.

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What the service does well:

The evidence obtained at this inspection showed that the agency provides very good support services to carers. The guidance provided to carers was comprehensive and detailed. The financial arrangements were found to be highly regarded by those using the service. The quality assurance team provide a useful layer of internal scrutiny and monitoring. The live database National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 with access available to placing officers was seen as a good example of transparency, providing useful access to local authority social workers, through a secure internet site to the agency’s records in relation to carers and children placed by the local authority in question. The agency was found to be providing carers from a range of ethnic backgrounds, making for better matching opportunities for children from different cultural backgrounds.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The service has implemented its agreement with the National Teaching Advisory Service (NTAS), providing additional educational support to carers. The frequency and consistency of reviews undertaken in respect of foster carers was better than identified at the last inspection of the service. The quality assurance team had developed, with more staff in place. The training for staff had improved since the last inspection. There was evidence of improved support and training facilities in the Midlands area. Training coordinators posts had been identified and filled for the Lowestoft area.

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What they could do better:

A number of requirements and recommendations have been made in this report, which must be addressed in order to achieve compliance with the National Minimum Standards and regulations applying to this service. Training for staff and carers has improved, but still have room for further improvement; staff recruitment procedures must be more robust; records that need improving include risk assessment relating to firearms, foster care agreements, complaints records and records of completed assessments.

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What they could do better:

This inspection identified some shortfalls that are not the subject of requirements in this report. Primarily, these related to assessments completed in 2003 and the lack of requirements is due to the length of time elapsed since the shortfalls, and the positive changes to the agency’s processes for gate keeping the quality of its assessments. However, these failings were significant, as children were placed in vulnerable positions. The agency have contacted an independent organisation, with a view to undertaking an audit of the agency, to see what lessons, if any need to be taken from these incidents. National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 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. National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10

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CONTENTS

Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11

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The intended outcome for this Standard is:

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

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The Commission considers Standard 12 the key standard to be

inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at the outcome for Standard:

Children, and their representatives can be confident that the agency promotes the health and development of children placed with its carers. However, additional training is needed for carers based long distances away from the Anglia training venues.

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EVIDENCE:

The carer’s portfolio includes guidance on registering a child with a GP, Dentist and Opticians. It also deals with emergencies and admission to hospital, first aid & medication. A separate section deals with the need to promote healthy lifestyles for children, a subject that is also covered in the health and safety section of the portfolio. The agency has clear policies on smoking, which recommends never smoke in the same room as children. The agency provides training to carers in HIV & AIDS Awareness, Health & Safety awareness, Makaton, and the therapeutic needs of looked after children via it’s Anglia training centres in Lowestoft and Norwich. None of these courses were being provided through either the Birmingham, Lincoln, Northampton or Nottingham venues. One of the carers interviewed stated that they had once been approached by the agency to look after a child with epilepsy. Part of the planning for this placement included the provision of training for the carer in

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EVIDENCE:

health tasks related to the care of a child with such a condition. National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

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

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

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

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

People using the service can expect that those responsible for the service are suitable. Previous shortfalls in relation to the suitability of carers were identified, resulting in children being placed in vulnerable positions. However, the agency has developed a number of good systems for ensuring the provision of suitable carers, and confidence in this area can be anticipated by those using the service. Some of the actions taken by the agency since the incidents have already provided additional layers of scrutiny, and placing authorities can approach the agency directly for more detail. The agency must improve its recruitment practices to give confidence that its staff are suitable. Those using the service need further assurances that the agency’s panel is effective.

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EVIDENCE:

The examination of recruitment records showed no shortfalls identified in respect of the checks carried out on senior management staff. The manager has a relevant qualification in social work and a certificate in supervisory management at national examination board level.

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EVIDENCE:

Recruitment records for staff were brought to the Anglia office from the agency’s administration office in Uxbridge, West London. There was evidence of appropriate qualifications, and references being obtained. CRB checks undertaken on staff had been renewed within the three-year cycle identified in National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 the National Minimum Standards. The examination of recruitment records and information provided by the agency showed that one member of had commenced working for the agency before the agency had obtained CRB checks in respect of the worker concerned, and two workers commenced before the agency had received two satisfactory references in respect of the worker concerned.

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EVIDENCE:

All of the foster carers visited as part of this inspection were aware of the visit, and agreed to the process.

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EVIDENCE:

As a result of a recent child protection enquiry, it was discovered that one set of carers had several firearms stored in their house. Although there was no evidence of illegality, as the appropriate records and storage facilities existed, the agency should have ensured that a risk assessment was undertaken in respect of this, to cover the possible hazards in relation to the placement of very disturbed children, especially as the records of one of the children placed with the carers in question, was identified as having a fascination with locks and keys. There was no direct evidence of placing authorities being informed of such a situation.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency has clear guidelines for staff regarding the issues that need to be considered when attempting to find an appropriate placement for children referred by placing authorities. All of the assessments seen by inspectors had information about the prospective carers abilities and preferences in relation to the type of needs they could cater for within their home. The inspection of records showed evidence of detailed information being obtained in relation to the needs of one child placed, who had complex and difficult to manage needs, and, although the placement eventually identified did not fulfil the criteria of the best choice identified in the assessment and referral, the placement fitted within the overall criteria identified in the assessment material. There was evidence of placing social workers of children already in placement being informed when additional placements were made within the same family.

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EVIDENCE:

The training programme provided by the agency includes Safe Caring, Child Protection, Allegations and Managing Challenging Behaviour. All of the courses were available at each of the training locations throughout the region. A safe caring policy is provided through the foster carer’s portfolio. The agency’s child protection procedures for carers is included in the carers portfolio, along with guidance as to what to do if a child discloses abuse to a carer or their child(ren). The foster carer agreement makes it clear to carers that corporal punishment is not permitted. The agency’s database includes separate records of complaints and allegations and can be broken down by region, to allow senior staff to monitor the information. The carers portfolio contains a Bullying policy that includes descriptions of the signs of bullying, advice for carers as to what to do if their foster child is being bullied, information sharing, advice on

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EVIDENCE:

the possible reactions of carers to a child being bullied, supporting the child, ongoing bullying, children who bully, stopping children from bullying, bullying National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 by mobile text messages or e-mail, and a list of useful resources and organisations for parents and foster carers.

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EVIDENCE:

During the course of the inspection, the lead inspector attended an ongoing child protection strategy meeting; the examination of related records showed that a set of carers, who were the subject of the ongoing child protection enquiry, had children placed with them before the statutory enquiry had been completed. This was despite the undertaking by an agency worker at the last strategy meeting not to place children with these carers “for the time being”. Further investigations showed that, when the carers in question were assessed the subject of the child protection allegation, a child of the carers, who was identified in the assessment report as not living at the home, but who visited the home regularly at weekends, and who was later identified as having some babysitting responsibilities, had not been the subject of a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check, and who was later identified as having been the subject

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EVIDENCE:

Another child protection investigation strategy meetings, attended by the lead inspector, provided evidence of failures to protect children through the agency’s assessment, vetting and approval actions. One set of carers had not put on their application form the fact that they had applied to another fostering service, but failed to be approved by them. However, it was subsequently confirmed during this inspection, that the agency were aware of this previous unsuccessful application, but no evidence was available to confirm that the outcome of their previous application, including the particulars of the previous refusal of approval had been obtained . Evidence obtained from the local authority file showed that a number of significant concerns had been recorded, including issues relating to the safety of children considered for placement with the carers concerned.

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EVIDENCE:

This inspection did not provide the opportunity to observe a panel in operation. A panel was observed in February 2006, with no adverse findings. However, during the course of this inspection, significant shortfalls were identified in relation to historical assessments, and their subsequent consideration at panel. There was one example of an assessment, which had been deferred by panel because of missing important information, with the decision taken to approve, once the chair had seen the missing information. This decision undermines the function of the panel, to have all assessments scrutinised by a group with collective experience in as wide a range of settings as possible. There was another example, identified in other parts of this report, where previous assessments did not include the undertaking of a CRB check in respect of those who should have been subject to such a check, and of the assessment of one

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EVIDENCE:

set of carers that did not include the particulars of a previous refusal to approve by another fostering service. Since these incidents, the agency has established a central quality assurance team with responsibility for scrutinising all assessment reports, and attending panels, with the objective of ensuring quality of assessments and the functioning of panels. National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

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

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

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

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

Those using the service can expect that the agency values diversity, and promotes educational achievement for children placed with its carers.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency has clear policy statements on Equal Opportunities. Children’s Rights and Bullying Guidelines are available in the Carer’s Portfolio, which is supplied to all Carers on Approval. The Agency has a wide diversity of Foster Carers in terms of ethnicity, culture, religion and language. It was the inspectors' experience that carers were well able to meet the cultural and ethnic needs of the children placed with them. The expansion to the midlands area had included the recruitment of placement consultants and carers from a range of ethnic backgrounds. Carer’s confirmed in interviews, that training in diversity was included in the skills to foster course, and was included as a part of several of the other courses run by the agency.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency has now agreed a contract with the National Teaching Advisory Service to provide a national advice line, training to staff and carers and 3 full time teachers, who could respond to identified cases of need, and provide professional support in this area. The agency’s quality assurance director informed the inspectors that the brief for this service had included the undertaking of an audit around school exclusions, and the identification of children and carers who need support in this area. The NTAS service has been up and running since April 2006, and is due to report to the agency soon. Foster carers who spoke to the inspector stated that they attended parent evenings, sports events and activities in which foster children were involved. National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 The foster care allowance paid by the agency included payment to cover educational activity expenses and school trips, after-school activities.

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EVIDENCE:

Regarding education, carers made no adverse comments during interviews. One carer stated that education was one of the ‘must do roles’. We have to attend meetings, parents evenings etc, another carer stated that the agency were “wonderful with helping with school”.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency does not provide a short break service for children in care. National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

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

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The Commission considers Standards 10 and 11 the key standards to

be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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

Those using the service can be confident that the agency promotes contact arrangements for children placed with its carers. When amended children’s information is produced, the stakeholders in the service will be able to expect the service to promote consultation.

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EVIDENCE:

The carer’s portfolio provided information for foster carers about working with birth parents and maintaining contact, where applicable or allowed by law. Inspectors heard from foster carers that contact arrangements had been discussed and included where contact would take place. In some cases, foster carers were involved in the transport of foster children to contact venues and also acted in a supervisory capacity. One carer commented in their questionnaire that they welcomed the family of children placed with them into the home where appropriate, and encouraged “positive discussion about family”.

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EVIDENCE:

The last inspection of this agency, in February 2006, identified the need for the agency to consider alternative ways of enabling children to access the complaints procedure. The agency have not as yet implemented any changes to the information and resources available to children, including those recommended in the report produced following the last inspection of the agency, however the inspectors saw internal correspondence, confirming that the agency’s policy officer was working on the children’s guide and it is anticipated this will include the recommended information . National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.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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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

Those using the service can be confident that the fostering service makes appropriate and timely payments to carers.

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EVIDENCE:

All of the carers who spoke with the inspectors stated that they were very happy with the agency in relation to the level of payments and expenses, which were clearly laid out in the foster carers handbook, and the efficiency of the organisation in ensuring carers payments are accurate and made on time. National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

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

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

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

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

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

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

Once the minor outstanding amendments are produced, the agency’s statement of purpose will be complete. Children, and those responsible for them can be confident the agency has procedures in place to ensure quality performance. Children, and those responsible for them can be confident in the agency’s current procedures for ensuring potential carers are suitably assessed. The staff training programme has been improved, and those using the service can be confident that training is provided by staff who, themselves National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 are trained in the task of providing training”. Children, and those responsible for them, can be confident that the agency supports its staff, whilst carers’ support is an area where the agency is justifiably highly valued by its carers, both in terms of frequency and quality of contact, and the availability and quality of unplanned support. The support provided to the sons and daughters

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

of carers needs attention from the agency to reach the same levels. Children, and those responsible for them can expect the agency to maintain comprehensive records in relation to children and carers, but need to improve on the means by which it enables children and carers to records significant events and keep memorabilia, and the maintaining of original reports before they are amended.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency has a statement of purpose, which has recently been reviewed, and amended to reflect any changes in the organisation. A draft of the new statement of purpose was provided electronically to the lead inspector. The statement had all the required information apart from the staffing structure, which was due to be included in the final draft. The last inspection of the agency identified that the agency should review the children’s guide to the agency to make it more accessible for the different needs of the different groups of children looked after by the agency’s carers. This had been started by the agency, but had not yet been completed. The quality assurance director was clear that this was due to happen in the near future.

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EVIDENCE:

Regarding quality assurance, the agency employed a quality assurance director, based in London, who was responsible for the quality assurance functions of the agency. The quality assurance team has a representative on the panel of the agency, and scrutinised each assessment produced by placement consultants prior to them being presented to panel. In discussion, the placement consultants who spoke with the inspectors spoke positively about this function, stating that they were sure to have extra work to do as a result of the scrutiny, but felt the overall quality of their work had improved as a result. The agency has achieved investors in people status.

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EVIDENCE:

Feedback from staff confirmed that workers have generally similar levels of caseloads, which they generally felt was manageable. However, some placement consultants spoke to the inspectors alone, and stated that they felt the agency placed a lot of expectations on them to be supporting children in placement which placed a burden on the workers concerned. The majority of staff felt the workload was manageable. One member of staff stated that they chose to work for this agency after experiencing the way they worked from the point of view of a placing officer. The agency has produced a training pack relating to the undertaking of an assessment of prospective carers that has been distributed to all of its assessors. The inspectors saw evidence, in the National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 form of assessments completed by the agency’s workers, the responses from the quality assurance team and feedback from the panel minutes, all of which

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EVIDENCE:

confirmed that assessments were currently being undertaken thoroughly, and contained information in relation to the areas identified in the National Minimum Standards and fostering services regulations.

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EVIDENCE:

Looking at previous reports as background information, there were examples of assessments, undertaken since the agency became responsible for complying with relevant legislation, that did not contain the required information, and which could have had a significant impact on the decision of panel as to whether to approve the carers or not.

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EVIDENCE:

An example was identified, where an assessment identified the prospective carers’ 17yr old child as living away from home because they were residing in a different area whilst attending college. However, the assessment also identifies the child as being at home at weekends, therefore the child should have been identified as a member of the household and been subject to a Criminal records check

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EVIDENCE:

The agency has responded to the requirement made following the last inspection, and implemented a training programme for its staff. 4 of the senior members of staff confirmed that they were now booked on the NVQ level 4 course, and several placement consultants had undertaken the ‘role of the placement consultant’ course. Additionally, an internal training co-ordinator post had been created and filled. However, feedback from placement consultants included identifying that several members of staff who provided the skills to foster training for prospective carers had themselves had no training in how to deliver the course material. One member of staff confirmed that feedback from one participant on this course, who themselves had experience of being a trainer, fed back that their evaluation of the course was “good to poor”. The consensus view of those placement consultants who spoke with the inspectors was that staff were feeling se-skilled in this area, and

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EVIDENCE:

would benefit from training in delivering training. Staff also stated that they would benefit from training in areas relating to social work practice generally, and training related to any changes in legislation likely to affect their role.

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EVIDENCE:

Records of supervision were present in the Anglia office for those staff supervised by the Anglia office manager, whilst those supervised by the Birmingham manager were held in their office. The records seen by the inspectors showed good levels of frequency of supervision.

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EVIDENCE:

Information provided by the agency showed that a total of 22 support groups were scheduled between January and July 2006, spread across a variety of venues covered by the agency, including Birmingham, Lincolnshire, Lowestoft, Ipswich, Norfolk, Northampton and Nottingham. The response from foster National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 carers to enquiries made by inspectors about the support they receive from the agency was significant in it’s consistency and levels of feeling about the issue. Carers stated one several occasions that the support they received from the agency, in the form of their allocated placement consultant was very good. Out of a total of approximately 48 carer interviews, either in person, at a support group meeting, by questionnaire or by telephone contact. No significantly negative comments were made about this subject. Foster Carers told the

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EVIDENCE:

Inspector that Link Workers are very good at responding, to queries, to requests to visit, and to crises or emergency situations. Examples were given of link workers responding to calls at midnight, and coming out to see carers on Mothering Sunday, without being specifically asked, as the link worker could tell the carer was distressed. 97% of carers, who returned questionnaires replied “very satisfied” to the question, “How well do you feel supported by the fostering service?” with the other answers all either “quite well”, or “OK most of the time”. Examples of some of the comments made are listed as follows,

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EVIDENCE:

“I’ve been really pleased. They have been supportive” “Full support is given” “I’m really happy with the agency” “If ever a problem occurs our placement worker (name of placement consultant) is always there for us” “We have always been able to contact (name of placement consultant) when needed & she will sort things quickly” “Out of hours numbers are reassuring to have”.

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EVIDENCE:

The examination of computerised records showed a marked improvement in the numbers of carers being subject to annual review since the last inspection. Of the 22 cases examined, each carer had been reviewed within the 12-month period identified in the National Minimum Standards. The agency produces a written ‘foster care agreement’ as required by the Fostering Service Regulations 2002, which requires the carer/s and an agency representative to sign, confirming the commitment of the carers to undertake the activities identified in schedule 5 of the said regulations. However, the commitment from the agency to carers in respect, for example, of the amount of support to be given to the carers and the procedure available for making representations is contained in another document, the ‘welcome pack’. The foster care agreement states that the document, together with the welcome pack, forms a contract between the National Fostering Agency and the individual Foster Carer family.

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EVIDENCE:

This appears a very one-sided document and does not appear to comply with the requirements of the above regulations.

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EVIDENCE:

There was evidence, gained from one carer’s file, of a complaint made by one carer about the behaviour of another carer at a communal event arranged by the agency. The records showed a note, evidencing a conversation between the complainant and the registered manager, during which the complainant is National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 identified as only wanting the agency to know of their concerns, rather than take specific action, however, the carer later confirmed to one of the inspectors, that the manager told them another carer made similar comments, and no record was made of any action or investigation of the subject of the complaint, to identify any bad practice or training need.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency had not implemented any formal means of supporting or consulting with the sons and daughters of foster carers through support groups or events.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency has a database, designed specifically for the agency, which provides good access to those who need to use it, and showed evidence of regular recordings in relation to placements. The database has the facility to be viewed securely by placing social workers, who can view records in relation to carers, including assessments, reviews and records of supervisory visits.

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EVIDENCE:

During the course of interviews, carers spoke of a log book which they recorded everything. Carers were clear that the agency gave them all the info they needed re children, but stated that placing social workers were a different story, and sometimes took longer than was acceptable to provide all the necessary “Looked After Children” information. Evidence was seen in some carer’s files at the agency’s office, of chase up letters to social workers where this was the case.

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EVIDENCE:

Some carers described individual examples of good practice in relation to keeping souvenirs and records for children placed with them, to promote a sense of identity and history. However, the agency had not yet responded to the requirement made in the last report, to provide carers with photograph albums, and other resources to enable both the carer and the child placed to record significant life events in a meaningful way, and encourage the retention of memorabilia.

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EVIDENCE:

The examination of foster carer’s assessments was made more difficult as the agency had amended the reports over the course of time, to reflect changes in circumstances, without retaining a copy of the original report.

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EVIDENCE:

Standard 32 does not apply. National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.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 3 Standard No Score 14 X STAYING SAFE 29 4 Standard No Score 3 3 MANAGEMENT 6 2 Standard No Score 8 3 1 3 9 2 2 X 15 2 4 3 30 2 5 2 16 X ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING 17 2 Standard No Score 18 3 7 4 19 2 13 3 20 3 31 N/A 21 3 22 4 MAKING A POSITIVE 23 2 CONTRIBUTION 24 2 Standard No Score 25 2 10 3 26 X 11 3 27 X 28 X 32 N/A National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? Yes

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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. FS19 21 (4) The Registered Persons must provide training for trainers in respect of it’s own staff with responsibilities for providing training for prospective and approved carers. 25/09/06

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

2. FS6 9 The registered persons must ensure that a detailed risk assessment is completed in respect of any carers who keep firearms on their property, a copy of which is forwarded to the commission, and to all placing authorities with children placed in the foster home identified in the assessment. 10/08/06

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

3. FS22 28 The registered persons must ensure that foster care agreements contain all the information listed in schedule 5.

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requirement

4 FS12 17 The registered persons must ensure that local training is available to all carers in HIV & 10/08/06 National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 AIDS Awareness, Health & Safety awareness, Makaton, and The Therapeutic Needs of Looked After Children 5 FS15 20 The registered persons must ensure that all the information identified in schedule 1 of the fostering services regulations 2002 is obtained in respect of all employees before they are employed. 25/08/06

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requirement

6 FS30 22 The registered persons must ensure that members of staff appointed as panel members receive training in relation to monitoring and reviewing the work of assessors, and ensuring that they have been completed in a thorough and rigorous way. 25/09/06

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requirement

7 FS5 11 The registered persons must ensure that all complaints are fully investigated, with a record made of the details and outcome of any investigation. 25/08/06

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requirement

8 FS9 12 The registered persons must implement a policy for the protection of children in relation to the process of determining and recording the status of carers who are the subject of child protection investigations, specifically in relation to the making of future placements whilst investigations are ongoing. 25/08/06

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requirement

9 FS25 30 The registered persons must ensure that separate copies of all assessment reports on foster carers are maintained, and not altered until a record of the original is securely stored. 25/08/06 National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28

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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. FS1 The registered persons should review the children’s guide to the agency to make it more accessible for the different needs of the different groups of children looked after by the agency’s carers.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

2. FS24 The registered persons should provide carers with photograph albums, and other resources to enable both the carer and the child placed to record significant life events in a meaningful way, and encourage the retention of memorabilia.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

NB: This is a repeat recommendation. 3. FS17 The registered persons should undertake an audit of previous assessments of its carers, to ensure previous mistakes were not more widespread.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

4 FS23 The registered persons should investigate the best ways of supporting the sons and daughters of foster carers, and respond to the recommendations of said investigation. National Fostering Agency DS0000038843.V301575.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 29

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

Suffolk Area Office St Vincent House Cutler Street Ipswich Suffolk IP1 1UQ

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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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