Setting

X10029.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 FOSTERING SERVICE

p.1

Essex

Lead Inspector Patricia Stanton Announced Inspection 1st – 15 th August 2006 10:00 Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to:

p.1

Essex

• 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

p.2

Essex

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 Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Fostering Services. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

p.2

Essex

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.

p.3

Essex

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.

p.3

Essex

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. Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4

p.3

Name of service

Address 62 London Road Southend on Sea Essex

p.4

manager (if applicable)

Type of registration Fostering Agencies Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5

p.4

Brief Description of the Service:

Futures for Children fostering agency is based in central Southend close to two mainline rail stations, bus services, high street shops, restaurants’ and seafront. The agency has other offices in neighbouring counties. It is the agency's intention to develop small groups of carers, from a wide range of geographical locations, to provide a child centred foster care service to give children and young people the opportunity to become valued members of society. The agency seeks to provide a variety of placements, based upon presenting needs. These include; short and long term, emergencies, bridging, enhanced, e.g. disability / illness, sibling groups and parent and child placements. All Social Workers employed by the agency are qualified and other employees include a qualified Director of Therapy and sessional workers. For young people not in mainstream school, the agency funds a minimum of 10 hours educational support.

p.5

Brief Description of the Service:

Out of hours support is provided to carers and children via an on-call system and carers receive three weeks holiday pay annually. Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6

p.5

SUMMARY

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

p.6

SUMMARY

Futures for children fostering agency was inspected from 01/08/06 – 15/8/06. As part of the inspection process, questionnaires were sent to all foster carers, foster children registered, child protection teams and all placing social workers. Responses were received from 8 young people, fifteen foster carers and thirteen social workers details of which are included in the report. Responses from children were very complimentary of care they received and foster carers were particularly positive of the support received from the agencies social workers. The inspector spoke to four foster children, six foster carers, one social worker, one administration staff, the acting manager and the agencies director.

p.6

SUMMARY

Foster children spoken to during inspection all appeared happy, healthy and safe. The inspector attended an agency carers coffee morning in July 2006 as part of the inspection process but was unable to attend a panel meeting this year, as one was not scheduled until October 2006. However the inspector has attended a panel meeting in the last twelve months as part of the 2005 inspection. The panel members had not changed and the inspector examined the last three panel meeting minutes.

p.6

SUMMARY

It is the conclusion of the inspector that Futures for Children meet the five outcomes for foster children in respect of Every Child Matters – Being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a contribution and achieving economic wellbeing.

p.6

SUMMARY

The agency had prepared the foster children and carers for inspection, making the inspection open and inclusive.

p.6

SUMMARY

The inspector would like to thank the children, foster carers and agency staff for their hospitality, assistance and contributions during inspection including the excellent drawings received from two young children.

p.6

What the service does well:

All children seen during inspection appeared very happy with their foster carers and communication between carers and children was excellent. The agency provides experienced caring foster carers and link workers who support foster carers and children twenty-four hours a day. The agency carefully matches children to carers and promote children’s cultural needs. The agency supplies sessional workers to assist carers and provide an outreach service for children and their families. The agency provides excellent therapeutic support to children and their families who require it. Assessments are thorough and robust and carer recruitment helps protect children. The agency has an efficient and professional foster panel. Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 The agency ensures care for children reflect decisions made by placing local authorities and care plans reflect children’s changing needs.

p.6

What the service does well:

Staff supervision is good. Family contact and education is promoted by the agency and transport provided by the agency if required. All young people and carers spoken to were positive about the agency and carers stated they were treated in a professional way.

p.7

What has improved since the last inspection?

The previous registered manager had progressed the service and improved outcomes for carers and children for the following: Monitoring the agency including ensuring the agency visit foster carers and foster children in their homes unannounced at least once a year. Seeking the views and opinion of carers, children and social workers as part of a quality assurance survey. Introducing guidance for carers on record keeping and the storage of dangerous chemicals to ensure children’s records are stored securely and children are protected from harm. A new statement of purpose, children’s guide, complaints and child protection policy now include all local details of the Southend Agency and CSCI. The agency had produced an excellent young children’s’ and young persons guide which is age appropriate and very informative. The agency has advertised for a panel member with experience in foster care. Administration staff had completed training in child protection and care plans

p.7

What has improved since the last inspection?

had been regular audited and local authorities contacted when information was not received. Foster carers now have information in relation to support for foster children’s education from the fostering network and the agency now has a qualified fire marshal employed.

p.7

What they could do better:

The agency could employ a suitable qualified experienced registered manager who has a qualification equivalent to NVQ level 4 in childcare. All agency staff and foster carers could have appropriate first aid, fire, health and safety training. The agency could monitor training for foster carers and ensure carers have the appropriate skills to care for children’s changing needs. Agency social workers could attend training to maintain their qualification and skills. Risk assessments could be in place for children who have bedrooms above ground level without window restrictors. Foster children could have their own savings accounts. Foster carers could have information from the agency regarding Futures expectations’ of their role in relation to education and promoting independent living skills. Foster carers’ could keep a list of the foster child’s independent skills to help identify areas of support. Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8

p.7

What they could do better:

The agency could ensure the local authority complete pathway plans for all young people from the age of 14 years and seek advice from the looked after nurse regarding local services for sexual health information. The agency could ensure staff numbers are kept under review to ensure continuity of high-level support to carers and children. Fire evacuation at the agency could be more frequent and fire training extended to all staff. The agency could include in their statement of purpose the need for the agency to be in receipt of all local authority information prior to placement.

p.8

What they could do better:

Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9

p.8

CONTENTS

Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10

p.9

The intended outcome for this Standard is:

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

p.10

The Commission considers Standard 12 the key standard to be

inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

p.10

JUDGEMENT – we looked at the outcome for Standard:

The fostering service ensures that it provides foster care services which help each child in care receive health care which meets her/his needs for physical, emotional and social needs, together with information appropriate to age to enable informed choice about appropriate health needs. Quality in this outcome is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this agency.

p.10

EVIDENCE:

All foster children seen looked happy and healthy. Sampled files evidenced children are registered with local doctors and attend regular health care appointments including hospital, consultant, doctor, optician, dentist, therapist and speech therapist. The agency employ a qualified therapist who is available to children and carers and the agency offers carers training in emotional conditions to help them understand children’s needs. Training arranged for carers this year included: Attachment and loss, minimum standards, self-harm, life story and moving on, drug and alcohol abuse and disability rights but carers had not been offered training in learning disabilities, autism and first aid.

p.10

EVIDENCE:

Children spoken to stated they received a healthy diet from carers. One child stated, “My foster mum gives me healthy food.” Another child stated, “I eat healthy. Lots of fruits and veggies.”

p.10

EVIDENCE:

Since the last inspection the agency have produced more safer guidelines for carers regarding health and safety in the home and all carers now receive a copy of the fostering network “safer caring guide”. Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Carers had not received training in delivering sexual health care to children and the agency was advised to seek advice and leaflets from the local looked after children’s nurse for foster carers and children. One carer who looked after a child with disabilities had not received any specialised training.

p.10

EVIDENCE:

Both carers and agency social workers act as advocates for foster children and ensure they attend appointments. One social worker stated, “They ensure his health needs are met.”

p.11

EVIDENCE:

Foster carers keep records of children’s health for future planning and sampled care plans confirmed children had appropriate up to date immunisation records. Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12

p.11

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)

p.12

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.

p.12

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

The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation and deprivation and has a clear strategy for working with and supporting carers. The Fostering panel has a clear written policy, which is implemented in practice, about the handling of their functions. The fostering service recruits a range of carers to meet the needs of children and young people for whom it aims to provide a service. Staff working for the agency are suitable to work with children and young people to ensure they are safeguarded. The service ensures that each child or young person placed in foster care is carefully matched with a carer. Quality in this outcome is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this agency.

p.12

EVIDENCE:

All agency staff and foster carers’ had completed child protection training. The agency has a policy and procedure for staff and carers regarding handling and reporting any incidents of abuse. The agency had made two referrals of abuse since the last inspection and alerted the appropriate professionals plus CSCI. All procedures were completed within appropriate timescales and outcomes recorded. Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Young people are given a guide from the agency giving details of how to complain and where they can seek help. Young people have the opportunity to speak to the agency social workers and one young person stated he was able to ring the agency worker himself as she gave him her number. The children appeared to have a very good relationship with the agency social workers who make themselves available 24 hours a day for support. Records confirmed no complaints have been received since the last inspection

p.12

EVIDENCE:

and no child or young person had been reporting missing without permission.

p.13

EVIDENCE:

Minutes from the fostering panel confirmed the panel is comprised of appropriate numbers of professional and independent persons, which assess foster carers. Records confirmed panel discussion and selection was robust and covered all aspect of the carer’s suitability in an objective and professional non-discrimetory manner.

p.13

EVIDENCE:

The agency has an appropriate number of carers to meet the needs of children and prides them with good matching to ensure the children’s’ cultural and ethnic backgrounds are met. Placements at the agency appeared very stable and children attached to their carers.

p.13

EVIDENCE:

Comments from foster children included “Yes she does listen. I am cared for and helped when I need it. “I talk to my carer and she talks to me”. “I get looked after properly now and I live with my brother I am happy now”. “We talk a lot, I am happy here and don’t want to leave ever.” “They are kind. I feel loved. I trust them”.

p.13

EVIDENCE:

One foster carer was in the process of applying to adopt her foster children and care plans evidenced foster children were treated like part of the family included in annual holidays and daily activities with the family.

p.13

EVIDENCE:

Foster carers appeared committed and very caring of the children in their care. However some foster carers attend more training than others and were not happy with the fact there was no incentive to make carers attend. This was discussed with the agency director who stated this was to be highlighted more in reviews and carers who do not attend may be reviewed more frequently.

p.13

EVIDENCE:

Staff recruitment is robust and sampled files contained appropriate checks from the CRB, Ofsted and the local authority. Files contained appropriate number of references, application forms, identification, appropriate supervision records, appraisal and contracts of employment.

p.13

EVIDENCE:

Agency staff spoken to stated they were able to voice their views and opinions to management and found one director who visited the agency very supportive. Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14

p.13

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)

p.14

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

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

p.14

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

The fostering service ensures that children and young people and their families are provided with foster carer services which value diversity and promote equality. Foster carers promote educational achievement. Quality in this outcome is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this agency.

p.14

EVIDENCE:

The agency values diversity and promotes equality. Foster carers are supported by the agency with adaptations in the home for children in their care. Carers receive guidance regarding equal opportunities, HIV, AIDS and training in diversity and different cultural needs. One young person stated about her carer, “We communicate through sign and she is always there to help me with new ones.” One social worker stated, “The agency takes great care to ensure that equal opportunities are in place and is constantly aware of growing multicultural society.”

p.14

EVIDENCE:

Foster carers encourage children to attend activities and interests to suit their individual needs and offer them the opportunity to attend religious services if requested.

p.14

EVIDENCE:

The agency does not offer training to carers on learning disabilities and appropriate available resources. One carer stated “the foster agency have done there utmost but Barking social services have let me down.” Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 The agency does not offer guidelines to carers regarding foster children’s educational needs but examined files confirmed carers were very proactive in helping foster children with education, home work and helping them achieve. Examined care plans contained school reports and personal education plans. One plan stated, “The foster parents are always interested in school life and are very supportive and caring”. One carer stated “I take great pride in doing all I can for children to achieve their full potential – I spend a long time, daily helping them with school and education matters – It gives me great pleasure to see them do well.”

p.14

EVIDENCE:

The agency have a high level of foster children in full time education and when this is not possible the agency offer a maximum of 10 hours tuition per week plus transport to school. One young persons visited was attending a local college daily and enjoyed studying for a childcare qualification. The young person was achieving and making friends.

p.15

EVIDENCE:

Comments from children and young people about support from their carers included the flowing statements: “Yes because studying will help me become a nurse and that’s what I want to be.” “My school is the best, I want to be a palaeontologist. I want to look for fossils.” “I am helped with my writing.” “I know I have to study and do my best so I will be able to do something positive in the future.” “I am encouraged to do my homework and do my best at whatever I do.” One social worker stated, “The agency helped the carer liaise with the school.” Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16

p.15

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)

p.16

The Commission considers Standards 10 and 11 the key standards to

be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

p.16

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

The agency makes sure that each child or young person in foster care is encouraged to maintain and develop family contacts and friendships as part of the care plan agreement ensuring children’s opinions, and those of their families and other significant to the child, are sought over all issues, which are likely to affect their daily life and future. Quality in this outcome is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this agency.

p.16

EVIDENCE:

Care plans examined confirmed foster children maintain contact with their birth families, siblings and develop friendships outside the foster home. Family contact is encouraged by the agency as agreed by the placing authority and agency staff support supervised contact in the chosen location including the agency offices. Transport is provided for contact by the agency.

p.16

EVIDENCE:

One young person visited confirmed she had many friends and they were allowed to come to her home. She stated, “My mobile phone is now too full to put all my friends numbers in”. The young person had met her friends at clubs, college and football.

p.16

EVIDENCE:

Carers, children and their families are invited to reviews but this was not evidenced in some sampled care plans examined. Children had not signed the review to evidence agreement and some reviews made no reference to the child opinion. One young person wrote in a pre inspection questionnaire, “Can I see my nanny sue more please?” The agency was asked to look into the request for the child. Post review questionnaires were not on file unlike the last inspection visit to evidence carers and children’s’ views following review. Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 The previous registered manager had sent out an annual survey to carers and children to seek their views and opinion on the home and this was used to help monitor the service.

p.16

EVIDENCE:

Young people are also spoken to individually by the agency social worker and one young person stated she felt able to talk to the agency at any time.

p.17

EVIDENCE:

Comments from social workers included: “I find the agency to be very supportive and they work well with LA”. “Excellent relationships with foster carer.” “I find the service to be very supportive of the placement and good at working together with the LA.” “They are good a looking for resources in the local area.” “The agency involves the children in decisions and keeps me informed of any changes.” “They have invited the young person to a cares coffee morning.” “They do regular visits to young peoples and carer’s home.” “He is encouraged to feel part of the family and bring friends home.” Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18

p.17

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)

p.18

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

The fostering agency should ensure that their foster carers help young people develop skills, competence and knowledge for adult living. Carers receive an allowance and agreed expenses, which cover they’re cost of caring for each child or young person placed with them. Payments are made promptly and at the agreed time. Allowances and fees are reviewed annually. Quality in this outcome is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this agency.

p.18

EVIDENCE:

The fostering service does try to prepare young people for independent living but sampled care plans did not contain appropriate local authority pathway plans and no details of the young person independent skills although the inspector was informed carer record this in their daily notes. The inspector visited one young person who had completed two pathway plans for Barking social services who had then lost them both. The young person refused to repeat the process but informed the inspector she was able to use the bus, shop for clothes with support, tidy her room and cook shepherds pie and apple pie. The agency was advised to follow up on the missing files and complete a list of independent skills for carers to use with young people to help identify areas for support.

p.18

EVIDENCE:

The agency supervises contact between children and their relatives and is good at sending the reports to the LA. The children are supported very well. Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Foster carers confirmed they received their allowance regularly and on time but one carer felt this should be enhanced for caring for a child who needed extra care. The agency review fees annually. Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20

p.18

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)

p.20

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)

p.20

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

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

p.20

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

1,2,4,5,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,27,32.

p.20

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

There is a clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and of what facilities and services they provide. The people involved in carrying and managing the fostering service possess the necessary business and management skills plus expertise to manage the work effectively and efficiently and have the knowledge and experience of childcare and fostering to do so in a professional manner. The service is monitored and controlled is a fair and competent employer. Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 Staff and carers training could be improved. The agency has a clear strategy for working and supporting carers and carers are provided with excellent supervision and support from the agency social workers. There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the fostering service and ensuring quality performance. All staff are properly accountable and supported.

p.20

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

Administration records are maintained as required and the agency premises are suitable for their purpose. The agency appeared financially viable. Quality in this outcome is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this agency.

p.21

EVIDENCE:

An effective management team runs the agency. The agency currently does not have a suitable qualified registered manager but has appointed an experienced acting manager to run the agency until a manager is appointed. The agency has had to make some redundancies since the last inspection due to a reduction in foster child placements, but the service appeared not to be affected and the level of support offered to foster carers and children remains of good quality. This may need to be reviewed if circumstances change. The director of the agency stated redundancies were a business decision to help maintain the agencies financial status.

p.21

EVIDENCE:

The morale of agency staff has been affected by the departure of some staff but the staff stated they were able to voice their views and opinions to the management team and continued to receive regular supervision feeling supported by one of the directors who visit’s the agency regularly.

p.21

EVIDENCE:

The agency employs suitably qualified staff to meet the needs of carers and children but the agencies social workers have not had appropriate updating to help maintain their professional qualification. Some staff appeared apprehensive regarding their future with the agency. Foster carers felt supported by the agencies link workers. Comments from foster carers included: “My link worker is brilliant she supports me in the day-to-day care of my one and only placement.” “I am happy with futures, the children and the children are happy here. We could not wish for more- thank you.” “During our assessment futures were very supportive and answered any questions or concerns fully. We are in continuous contact and very pleased with how we have been treated.” “Excellent assessors and knowledgeable professional manner.” “We get a very good service and support. They are always there with a helping hand. They do a great job and it is appreciated.”

p.21

EVIDENCE:

“I am delighted Linda Folwell is back working with futures.” Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 The new acting manager who has previously worked for the agency has been employed until such time a new registered manager could be recruited. The acting manager has no management qualification but many years management experience as a foster agency manager with appropriate childcare and social work qualifications. Staff files confirmed a social worker had not undertaken training since qualifying to enabling her to maintain her skills and registration. Foster carers are offered training to maintain their skills but some do not attend. One carer stated, “ There is a lot of beneficial training. They do a great job.”

p.21

EVIDENCE:

All staff records contained appropriate checks.

p.22

EVIDENCE:

The agency ensures that care plans are up to date with information, which details the nature, and quality of care provided and contributes to an understanding of life events. Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and persons involved in care but sampled plans examined did not include evidence of the following: Foster children’s contribution towards care, foster children’s views and opinions, foster children’s signatures to evidence agreement with plans and decisions and no pathways plans to demonstrate the young persons independent living skills. Local authority information was missing from some files but evidence was seen that the previous registered manager had written several times to the LA to request this vital information. Following the last inspection the registered manager was advised to include the need for vital information in the agency statement of purpose and received missing information

p.22

EVIDENCE:

following the performance feedback regarding one authority from inspector.

p.22

EVIDENCE:

Administration records were stored securely and protect carers, children and staff confidentiality. Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23

p.22

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.

p.23

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

p.23

SCORING OF OUTCOMES

BEING HEALTHY ACHIEVING ECONOMIC Standard No Score WELLBEING 12 3 Standard No Score 14 3 STAYING SAFE 29 3 Standard No Score 3 3 MANAGEMENT 6 4 Standard No Score 8 3 1 3 9 2 2 3 15 3 4 3 30 3 5 3 16 3 ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING 17 3 Standard No Score 18 3 7 3 19 2 13 3 20 3 31 X 21 3 22 3 MAKING A POSITIVE 23 3 CONTRIBUTION 24 2 Standard No Score 25 3 10 3 26 X 11 3 27 3 28 X 32 3 Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? NO

p.23

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.

p.24

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action 1. FS24 17 Carers should undertake specialised training to ensure they have the appropriate skills to care for foster children. This is a repeat requirement . 01/10/06

p.24

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

2. FS19 20(3b) All agency staff must have appropriate fire and health and safety training. Fire evacuation should be completed regularly. This is a repeat requirement 01/10/06

p.24

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

3. FS9 15 Risk assessments should be carried out by the agency for young peoples windows in bedrooms above ground level. This is a repeat requirement 01/10/06 Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25

p.24

RECOMMENDATIONS

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

p.25

RECOMMENDATIONS

No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations

p.25

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. FS13 Foster carers should be provided with guidelines on the agencies expectations in relation to the carer’s role in assisting children and young people in education and transition into independent living from the age of 14 years. Foster carers should keep a list of foster children’s independent living skills to help identify areas of weakness. The agency should develop a reviewing process with regards to measuring children’s education outcomes. 2. FS11 A carers/children’s forum should be introduced to seek the views and opinions of foster carers and foster children. 3. FS12 Carers should receive training on giving foster children sexual health advice, learning disabilities and foster children’s life stories. Advice could be sought from the local looked after nurse regarding health promotion. 4. FS19 Agency social workers should receive training to keep themselves updated in social work skills. 5. FS29 Foster carers should be given guidelines on how much of

p.25

RECOMMENDATIONS

the carers allowance should be used for foster children’s personal use. Foster children should have their own savings accounts. 8. FS1 The agency could include in their statement of purpose the need for the agency to be in receipt of all local authority information prior to placement. 9. FS17 The agency should frequently review staff numbers to ensure the agency continue to provide high quality support to foster carers and children. Futures for Children DS0000057840.V300338.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26

p.25

Commission for Social Care Inspection

South Essex Local Office Kingswood House Baxter Avenue Southend on Sea Essex SS2 6BG

p.26

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

p.26