Setting

X10029.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 FOSTERING SERVICE

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Lead Inspector Sophie Wood Announced Inspection 3rd July 2006 10:00 Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to:

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• Put the people who use social care first • Improve services and stamp out bad practice • Be an expert voice on social care • Practise what we preach in our own organisation

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Reader Information Document Purpose Inspection Report Author CSCI Audience General Public Further copies from 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Internet address www.csci.org.uk Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Fostering Services. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

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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. Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4

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Name of service

Address Bridge House High Street Dartford Kent DA1 1DJ

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manager (if applicable)

Type of registration Fostering Agencies Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5

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such, more Agency personnel have been recruited. Currently, effort is

being placed upon developing its services for children with disabilities.

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the latter reflecting additional support needs, such as mother & baby

placements or children with complex care requirements. Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6

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SUMMARY

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

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SUMMARY

This was the fourth annual inspection to be conducted under the auspices of the Care Standards Act 2000 and the Fostering Services Regulations 2001. Commencing on 3 rd July 2006 and ending on 20 th July 2006, lead inspector, Sophie Wood spent five separate days inspecting the agency. Time was spent scrutinising records and documentation, interviewing key personnel and reviewing policies and procedures. Members of the panel were spoken with and a panel meeting was partially observed, as was a training session for carers. A case tracking exercise was undertaken, with randomly selected carers and children, who were visited in their own homes. Both offices were toured and key personnel were interviewed. Additional valuable inspection material was gained through the receipt of questionnaires from children, carers and placing authorities, as well as the pre inspection documentation, received from the responsible individual.

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SUMMARY

This was a very positive visit, which demonstrated excellent outcomes for those in the agency’s care. All of the requirements and recommendations from last year’s inspection had been fully implemented and the agency had also particularly focused upon staff recruitment, training provision and the continued review of its own policies and procedures. This timely and systematic approach has allowed new personnel and policies to settle and become firmly embedded; this aspect has also been greatly assisted with the acquisition of another building, thus giving all of the departments the room and resources they need.

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What the service does well:

The agency retains and recruits carers from a wide and diverse range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Hence, children and young people are placed appropriately and sympathetically, according to their presenting needs. Consultation processes ensure that children, young people, carers and placing authorities have the opportunity to express views and opinions about the running and continuing development of the agency. Carers are visited regularly and receive ongoing training and guidance. Policies and procedures are regularly updated and the panel applies stringent criteria in approving and reviewing carers. The agency works openly and transparently with the Commission, making appropriate notifications and seeking good practice advice Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 at regular intervals. Following the previous annual inspections, all requirements and recommendations made by inspectors have been speedily

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Following last year’s inspection, the agency has particularly focused upon its staffing structure, with a number of senior posts now established. Additional office space has been secured and monitoring systems have improved. Policies and protocols regarding the operation and function of the panel have been updated and a complete revised system regarding statutory checks for staff and carers has been established. A designated individual has been given the responsibility for devising and delivering training to carers; the range, amount and timing of training courses is now such to warrant this standard as being exceeded.

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What they could do better:

Health records for children and young people need to be closely monitored to ensure the same good standard is in place throughout and similarly, case files for all in placement would benefit from being reviewed to ensure all necessary information is being held in all cases.

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What they could do better:

A formalised system to obtain the views and opinions of birth children is strongly recommended.

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What they could do better:

The supervision record in place for carers would benefit from additional review and such records need to be closely audited, to ensure the same good standard is being applied by all staff.

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What they could do better:

The annual review process of carers would benefit from additional review, particularly with regards supplying clear and explicit evidence when a change to the original approval is recommended.

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What they could do better:

A clearer monitoring system with regards the educational needs and attainment of those in placement would provide greater evidence to support the very good work that goes on here, as the actual ‘outcome’ for this standard is excellent. Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 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. Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9

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CONTENTS

Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10

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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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made from evidence gathered during the inspection, which included a

Children and young people benefit from having their health needs identified, promoted and provided for.

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EVIDENCE:

Further to last year’s inspection, all case files now hold a separate, dedicated health care section; from those inspected, some were more comprehensive than others. This finding demonstrates that this work is continuing, with evidence found to show the agency ‘chasing’ placing authorities for missing information in an effort to bring all files up to the same standard. Review meeting minutes showed clear evidence of health needs being monitored and carers are required to keep and maintain accurate written records, detailing all medical appointments and check ups. This information is regularly monitored when supporting social workers visit their carers and this is subsequently forwarded onto the placing authority social worker, responsible for the child / young person. One carer visited had a five - month old baby in placement and during the course of the interview she demonstrated a sound understanding as to her own

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EVIDENCE:

responsibilities in meeting his health needs. The carer holds the child’s health authority development booklet, the contents of which, was up to date, showing evidence that all appointments and checks were being attended. Written feedback from the baby’s placing authority described the child to be ‘clearly thriving’ and through direct observation during the visit, he was alert, cooing and smiling at his carer and behaving exactly as a healthy five – month old would be expected to. Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 An additional improvement noted since last year has been the developments to the agency’s training programme for carers. This has included additional training on health promotion and clear links have been established with the local LAC Nurse for the area. Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.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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made from evidence gathered during the inspection, which included a

The agency implements sound and robust recruitment criteria for its staff and carers. This means children and young people are safe and protected.

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EVIDENCE:

During the last year the agency has secured a number of key personnel appointments. Its intention has been to consolidate and develop its working practice, whilst remaining the ‘same size’ in terms of the number of carers and children it has in placement. To date, a head of services, service manager, practice manager, reviewing officer and project development officer have been appointed and the responsible individual has been clearly focusing upon the review of practice policies and procedures and monitoring systems. Personnel records were scrutinised and individuals were interviewed, with clear evidence found to support that those in post possess the skills, qualifications and experience commensurate with their responsibilities. Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Carers continue to be assessed through the use of external, independent social workers. The responsible individual firmly believes that using assessors not

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EVIDENCE:

directly employed by the agency brings an added quality, by way of ensuring a totally independent view as to an individual’s potential suitability to foster. The service manager, who coordinates this aspect of the agency’s work, voiced some frustration with individuals keeping to timescales and stated that issues such as this are more difficult to ‘manage’ when the person is not an employee. The model being used clearly has positives and negatives and, through consultation with its workforce, it is for the agency to decide upon whether or not to review this arrangement. Six sets of carers were visited in their own homes and all were found to be of a good standard in terms of maintenance and cleanliness. All were very different in terms of size and location, which lends itself to children and young people being placed within physical environments that best match their own presenting needs. Form F assessments were inspected; these continue to be scrutinised by the

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EVIDENCE:

service manager before being presented to the panel and the written guidelines for the completion of initial assessment visits have been reviewed and amended to ensure that greater depth and clarity of information is sought at this early stage. The contents of carers’ files showed clear evidence of annual health & safety inspections being conducted and this topic is clearly covered within initial training and beyond; a comprehensive health & safety policy is in place and this is distributed to carers via their handbook. Within this, there is explicitly guidance on the use of carers’ own cars for transporting children and young people.

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EVIDENCE:

Further to last years’ inspection, the document used to evidence clear and explicit matching processes has continued to be reviewed and added to. This has resulted in more recent placements showing greater recorded evidence on case files. It is noted that the actual practice of matching has always been of good quality and now the written documentation better substantiates this. Care must be taken, however; with regards emergency referrals, as these such files hold very little immediate information and a few weeks into a placement, one set of carers still had very minimal information about the children placed with them.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency implements sound and robust policies and procedures that protect children and young people from harm and abuse. Those carers visited demonstrated a good understanding of these; they knew what to report and to whom and were fully aware of the need to pass on information and concerns. All carers receive clear guidance on ‘safe care’ and the agency is working to ensure all carers have their own safe care policy in place, which accurately reflects their own household and those living in it. Clear management systems are in place to collate and evaluate information on the circumstances, number and outcome of allegations of neglect or abuse of a child placed with foster carers. The staff of the agency are fully aware of the need to liaise with placing Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 and host authorities in the event of an allegation being made and written

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EVIDENCE:

records showed evidence of the agency being fully compliant with child protection procedures and protocols when such allegations have been made. Explicitly clear written guidance is within the foster carer handbook with regards acceptable sanctions, dealing with bullying and what to do in the event of a child / young person being missing from the foster home.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency’s own recruitment policy and procedure is detailed and clear; staff personnel files were inspected against this criterion. Those files seen contained clear evidence of statutory checks being conducted, including Enhanced CRB’s and individuals did not take up their posts until all such checks and satisfactory references had been obtained. Written references had clearly been ‘followed up’ by telephone verification with the referee. Personnel files regarding independent assessors and panel members held clear details including references, CRB ‘s, proof of qualifications and other statutory checks, however; the file pertaining to a staff member currently employed on a fixed term, temporary contract, did hold as much detail, although its contents were in line with regulatory requirements. It is recommended that the agency consider the benefit of all personnel files being of the same overall good

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EVIDENCE:

standard and it is also advised that the interview checklist in place feature the specific prompt to question any gaps within employment histories. Those files inspected included those with management responsibilities, social work support, administrative roles, panel members and independent assessors; each held proof of qualifications and written evidence to suggest the individual held the qualifications and experience commensurate with the duties they were performing.

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EVIDENCE:

A panel meeting was partially observed and before it commenced, the panel members were spoken with. A number of its members, including the independent chair, vice chair and other independent members have been in post for the last couple of years. It was evident that a clear rapport and professional working relationship exists between the members and they are familiar with each other’s style and approach. That said, the ongoing review of panel policies and procedures avoids complacency and every member was observed to question and challenge throughout the business being conducted. Clear and explicit protocols are in place; there is access to medical expertise and a clear process to follow in the event of a consensus decision not being reached. The membership of the panel is broad and diverse and good quality personnel records are held for each member. Minutes of previous panel meetings are held and retained in very good order,

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EVIDENCE:

making it very easy to track and cross – reference decisions and issues about carers and the panel has undertaken other business in terms of the agency, such as hearing a complaint made by carers and making appropriate recommendations to the responsible individual. As has been found from previous inspections, this continues to be an effective, diligent group, which works very hard to retain its independent role and is an asset to the organisation. Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.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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made from evidence gathered during the inspection, which included a

The agency clearly values diversity among its carers and children and actively promotes educational achievement.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency continues to retain and recruit carers from a very wide range of ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds. This results in children and young people being placed in culturally sensitive and appropriate placements. Carers were visited and it was evident that their own such backgrounds had been fundamental during the matching process of those children placed with them. This factor went beyond ethnic and cultural matching in that children and young people were also being placed within households similar to those they had come from, for example, within a ‘town’ environment or close to leisure amenities important to the individual. One teenager told the inspector, ‘It’s important to me that Auntie understands my background and the things that are important to me’. The agency continues to provide relevant training for carers that covers diversity, equal opportunity and dealing with discrimination.

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EVIDENCE:

The foster carer agreement and handbook details clear and specific guidance about carers’ responsibilities with regards the educational needs of those in Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 their care. Carers know what is expected of them in terms of attending parents’ evenings, supplying school uniform and providing a home environment conducive to study. All of the above factors were clearly evidenced through interviewing carers and children / young people in placement throughout the course of this inspection and perusal of care files found P.E.P’s, school review meeting minutes and records of educational achievements to be in place and in good order. One young person is currently studying for five GCSE’s and has clear plans to follow this by pursuing a career in nursing. The responsible individual asked the inspector if the idea of the agency supplying its own educational resource should be pursued. Given that the vast

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EVIDENCE:

majority of children and young people are successfully attending mainstream nurseries, schools and colleges, the inspector advised against this, given that the attendance at mainstream establishments, and the support given by carers, is seen to be a particular strength of this agency. It was advised that efforts would best be placed upon ensuring that school placements, achievements and concerns be more closely monitored, perhaps by a designated individual, with a background within the education system. Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.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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made from evidence gathered during the inspection, which included a

Children and young people benefit from having positive contact with those who are important to them and good consultation systems enable the views and opinions of stakeholders to be heard.

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EVIDENCE:

As was found at the previous inspection, the contact rooms were again found to be in constant use. The two rooms dedicated for this specific purpose were beautifully decorated and furnished with appropriate equipment and toys. Case files held clear and specific details pertaining to contact arrangements and where necessary and required, the agency undertakes to provide contact venues and supervisors on behalf of placing authorities. Such details were explicitly recorded. One carer interviewed is currently supporting the young child in her care to attend contact visits with birth parents for five days each week. The carer demonstrated a sound commitment to this arrangement, given that the longer – term plan is to hopefully reunite the family unit.

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EVIDENCE:

Both carers and children / young people gave sound examples of the agency’s own consultation processes and further evidence was found to demonstrate that placing social workers are asked for verbal and written feedback about the agency. Whilst a number of carers stated that their own children are routinely Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 spoken to by supporting social workers from the agency to ensure they have the opportunity to share their views and opinions, others did not report so favourably and it is therefore recommended that seeking the views and opinions of ‘birth children’ be formalised. It was positive, therefore, to be told of plans to seek such views through the carers’ annual review process. It is also recommended that the agency seek to provide its stakeholders with regular and ongoing information about the agency, its ongoing plans and progress, perhaps by way of sharing some of the information featured within

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EVIDENCE:

its own regulation 42 monitoring reports. Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20

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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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made from evidence gathered during the inspection, which included a

Young people are effectively supported for impending adulthood and carers benefit from receiving their agreed allowances and expenses correctly and on time.

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EVIDENCE:

Clear written guidance in the form of policies and procedures are in place with regards those carers supporting young people preparing for semi and independent living. In the main, information from placing authorities was found within care files, such as transitional plans and movement to leaving care teams. Where this is not the case, evidence was found to demonstrate the agency ‘chasing’ for this information. Young people spoken to gave very positive examples as to how their carers are actively and practically supporting them for this transition and such topics are well provided for through the agency’s own training programme for carers. A number of examples were found whereby the agency has continued to provide support, guidance and financial assistance to youngsters, beyond what may be expected within placement agreements and the agency is commended for this commitment.

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EVIDENCE:

Clear written guidance is in place to describe the allowances and expenses payable to foster carers and this has recently been reviewed and amended. Similarly, the guidance pertaining to pocket money and allowances payable to children / young people are described, however; some carers stated that clearer and more explicit guidance on the use of pocket money, savings and Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 withholding, in terms of sanctioning / reparation would be welcomed. No adverse comments were received from carers in terms of payments being made accurately and on time. Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22

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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):

1, 2, 4, 5, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28.

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made from evidence gathered during the inspection, which included a

The fostering service benefits from being run by experienced, well – qualified personnel, who implement sound and robust policies and procedures that embrace good practice guidance. Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23

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EVIDENCE:

The statement of purpose and children’s / young person’s guides are clear, informative and subject to ongoing review.

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EVIDENCE:

The last year has clearly focused upon staff recruitment and the acquisition of additional office space. There has been a clear plan to ensure accountability and clarity of roles, whilst remaining the same size, in terms of the number of carers and children supported by the agency. This period of consolidation has ensured that individuals are becoming settled in post, whilst key policies and procedures are being reviewed, updated and amended. A number of new policies and systems have also been implemented, such as a ‘carers on hold’ policy and the establishment of the ‘statutory checks’ department.

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EVIDENCE:

Monitoring systems have been subject to ongoing review and amendment, with explicitly clear records in place in terms of allegations, concerns and complaints. These records were scrutinised and the new ways in which information is held and cross – referenced makes it easier to retrieve and review information, even though an event may have occurred some time ago. The agency continues to inform the Commission and other external agencies of significant events within agreed timescales and such information is routinely monitored in terms of the agency’s own quality assurance mechanisms. As was found last year, the agency continues not only to monitor against its own criteria, it continues to commission a separate ‘quality assurance’ team to undertake regular audits of its service delivery.

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EVIDENCE:

Through the employment of specific service management personnel, the agency has ensured explicit lines of responsibility and accountability. All personnel have defined job descriptions and the agency has a clear organisational structure. The premises are of excellent quality and are equipped with the resources staff need to complete their tasks readily and efficiently. Caseloads are manageable and staff benefit from competitive terms and conditions of employment. Supervision and appraisal meetings remain ongoing and these feature details pertaining to individual’s ongoing training and support needs and how these will be met by the agency.

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EVIDENCE:

Policy and procedural guidance makes clear how carers are to be supervised and supported by the agency. Supervising social workers continue to undertake regular visits and these are recorded in writing. All but one set of carers confirmed they receive a copy of such records and the content of these was variable in terms of standards, with one supporting social worker in particular, producing excellent written records. It is recommended that the format used for such visits be reviewed to ensure core subjects are explicitly discussed and recorded to such discussions. Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Each carer interviewed confirmed the agency continues to conduct unannounced visits, often more frequently than the recommendation of once per annum. Those spoken with positively endorsed this practice, saying it protects both them and those in their care. All carers are provided with

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EVIDENCE:

membership to the ‘Fostering Network’, with subscriptions paid for by the agency. Attendance at support groups has been variable over time; some carers felt they received all the support needed through supervising visits and training sessions, whereas others said they would welcome more informal support networks with other carers. It is recommended this be explored.

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EVIDENCE:

One of the most positive developments since last year’s inspection has been to secure a dedicated training coordinator post. This individual was interviewed and she demonstrated real motivation and energy about her role. Evidence was seen to demonstrate that the current and ongoing training programme had been devised from a mix of legislative and good practice guidance, as well as through consultation with the staff and carers of the agency. Courses are varied and diverse, reflective of the needs of both experienced and new carers and times and venues vary in an attempt to secure maximum attendance. All courses are evaluated and carers are required to attend a set number of training sessions each tear; this requirement is scrutinised at annual reviews. A training session, delivered by an independent trainer was partly observed during this inspection. It was well attended in a central, comfortable location

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EVIDENCE:

and those in attendance were enjoying the trainer’s delivery, which constituted discussions, information giving and case studies. A number of carers also stated that they have been provided with additional and specific training courses as ‘one – offs’, when such topics have been deemed as necessary to enhance the care for the child / young person in placement.

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EVIDENCE:

Case records for children and young people have improved, for example, through the addition of a separate health care section. Some files held more information than others and thus, ‘room for improvement’ remains, in terms of ensuring that all of the necessary information needed is in place and of the same good standard. This aspect was already raised by the agency, prior to the site visit, as an area needing improvement and it became evident that a complete review of both children’s and carers’ files is planned. A particular disparity within carers’ files was with regards the completion of carer supervision records. Some were excellent; clearly and accurately completed, demonstrating tracking of issues, identifying training and support needs, etc. Others were not of this standard and it may be helpful to consider reviewing the actual format currently being used.

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EVIDENCE:

Other than carers’ files, all other administrative records were found to be in very good order. A mix of electronic and paper records are used and sound systems makes then easily retrievable. Records are securely held with only those needing to know, having access. Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 The agency has recently acquired additional office space, within a few minutes walk of the main head office. Departments within the organisation enjoy greater space and both buildings are decorated and maintained to an excellent standard. Social workers have their own desks, equipped with new flat screen computers and there is ample space to hold private meetings, such as supervision and ‘bigger’ meetings, for example, case reviews and panel. Both buildings are secure, with a key pad entry system and all visitors are required to sign in and out of the premises.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency continues to review, update and amend its financial policies and procedures; all staff are explicitly aware of financial operations and the external accounting and auditing processes in place exceed the requirements of the fostering regulations. Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26

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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 4 STAYING SAFE 29 4 Standard No Score 3 3 MANAGEMENT 6 3 Standard No Score 8 3 1 4 9 3 2 4 15 3 4 4 30 4 5 4 16 4 ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING 17 4 Standard No Score 18 4 7 4 19 4 13 4 20 4 31 N/A 21 4 22 4 MAKING A POSITIVE 23 4 CONTRIBUTION 24 3 Standard No Score 25 3 10 4 26 4 11 3 27 4 28 4 32 N/A Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? NO

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Fostering Services Regulations 2002 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action

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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. FS12 It is recommended that all case files be reviewed with regards the health care section, to ensure they are all of the same good standard. 2. FS8 It is recommended that matching evidence and immediate historic information in respect of emergency placements continues to be chased and obtained within 72 hours of the placement being made. 3. FS13 It is recommended that the monitoring systems regarding the educational achievements and issues for children and young people be expanded upon to show greater evidence of the excellent support systems that are in place. 4. FS11 It is recommended that formal systems be implemented to obtain the views and opinions of the birth children of foster carers. 5. FS24 & FS25 It is recommended that all children’s case files and carers’ files be reviewed to ensure the contents within are of the same good standard. Beyond this, a clear file audit / Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28

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RECOMMENDATIONS

monitoring system is recommended to ensure a good standard continues to be maintained. Vision Fostering Agency Ltd DS0000038134.V296209.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 29

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

Maidstone Local Office The Oast Hermitage Court Hermitage Lane Maidstone ME16 9NT

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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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