Setting

X10029.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 FOSTERING SERVICE

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CT5 1EL

Lead Inspector Alex Turner Announced Inspection 16th October 2006 09:30 Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to:

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CT5 1EL

• 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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CT5 1EL

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 Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.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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CT5 1EL

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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CT5 1EL

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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CT5 1EL

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. Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4

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Name of service

Address 107b Island Wall Whitstable Kent CT5 1EL

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manager (if applicable)

Type of registration Fostering Agencies Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5

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Conditions of registration:

Date of last inspection 19th October 2005

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Brief Description of the Service:

Kasper is a 'Company Limited by Guarantee without Share Capital and a 'not- for-profit' organisation'. It is an independent fostering agency based in Whitstable, Kent. It provides placements for children and young people unable to remain within their own family. At the time of the visit there were nineteen approved carers, caring for twenty-eight children.

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Brief Description of the Service:

The current fees for the service at the time of the visit range from £740.39 to £822.71. Information on the service and the CSCI reports for prospective service users will be detailed in the Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide. The e-mail address of the service is Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.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

The inspection took place over three days. Arrangements were made to visit two foster families. In both instances members of the foster families gave up some time and were accommodating with respect to the inspection process. Time was also spent speaking with the registered manager and one of the supervising social workers. Preinspection questionnaires were completed and returned by foster carers, placing social workers, and children. Information provided by the manager regarding key aspects of the service was also included in the information drawn upon to prepare this report. A broad range of documentation was inspected in relation to the operation of the service. The inspection was concluded with verbal feedback to the fostering service team summarising the preliminary findings of the inspection in relation to each of the standards inspected. The time and cooperation of all those contributing to the inspection is acknowledged and appreciated.

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What the service does well:

The service has done well in all areas assessed and has exceeded standards in relation to management, being healthy, protecting from abuse and neglect, valuing diversity, promoting education and contact, promoting consultation and preparing for adulthood.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection improvements have been made in the following areas; behaviour management, monitoring practice, recruitment, constitution of the panel and the overall training strategy for carers. Kasper have also continued to develop existing good practice in promoting health and in the overall management of the service.

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What they could do better:

Two recommendations have been made. One is in relation to the format used to record the matching process and the other in relation to policies and procedures for short-term placements. Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 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. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8

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CONTENTS

Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9

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The intended outcome for this Standard is:

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

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at the outcome for Standard:

NMS 12 - Quality in this outcome area is excellent .

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at the outcome for Standard:

This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at the outcome for Standard:

The fostering service has promoted the health and development of children & young people.

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EVIDENCE:

Files inspected included records that showed children and young people were routinely registered with a local GP and supported to access health services according to their needs. Health related matters are recorded and monitored with a view to informing ongoing support and practice. Health records are updated during the placement and considered in the planning and review of care. It was noted that the service is taking a lead role in the development of fostering practice that promotes good outcomes in health for children & young people. There have been a number of other initiatives such as healthy care days, specialist training for foster carers in health promotion and aligning practice to national outcomes for children for which the service is commended. The agency has worked well in partnership with children, foster carers and health care professionals to generate positive outcomes for children in this

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EVIDENCE:

area. Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10

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

NMS 3, 6, 8, 9, 15 and 30 - Quality in this outcome area is good.

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

This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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

The persons carrying on the fostering service are suitable to do so.

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

The fostering service provides suitable foster carers.

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

The fostering service matches children & young people to carers appropriately.

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

The fostering service protects each children & young person from abuse and neglect.

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

The fostering panel is organised and exercises its duties with care and attention.

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EVIDENCE:

Procedures are in place for the recruitment, selection and employment of all persons working for the purposes of the fostering service and for the approval and review of foster carers. Records documenting the process were sampled. Of the records selected were examples that demonstrated the written procedures have been put into practice. The fostering service has Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 arrangements for regular supervision and support visits to foster carer’s homes. The service has used these opportunities to monitor accommodation standards in addition to their annual review.

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EVIDENCE:

Matches have been achieved by means of information sharing and consideration of factors involved. Records show relevant professionals, the child and her/his family and potential carers, their families and other children in placement have been involved in the process. A recommendation has been made in relation to the format used to record matching decisions. The fostering service has provided figures relating to the longevity of placements – the figures provide a clear indication of the effectiveness of the matching process.

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EVIDENCE:

The principles of child protection are well established and embedded in practice. Written procedures and organisational routes relating to child protection have been reviewed since the last inspection. Carers and staff all undertake training that covers child protection. The service has clear grasp of what safe care means and has conveyed this well to carers. The development of individualised safe care guidelines has become routine practice. These have been complimented by individualised risk assessments pertaining to the needs and circumstances of each child and young person placed. In the instances where it has been necessary the service has acted appropriately in response to suspicions and concerns.

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EVIDENCE:

The fostering panel has been properly constituted in terms of membership. The panel is guided by written policies and procedures and primarily serves a quality assurance function. The panel considers assessments and reviews of all foster carers approved by the service. A review of panel minutes indicates this has been consistent over time. The independent members of the panel have members with expertise in education, health and fostering. Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12

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

NMS 7, 13 and 31 - Quality in this outcome area is excellent.

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

This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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

The fostering service promotes educational achievement.

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

The management of short term breaks take into account that the parents / guardians remain the main carers for the child / young person.

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EVIDENCE:

The fostering service has provided training that covers issues in relation to recognising, valuing and working to promote diversity and equal opportunities. Carers demonstrated awareness of issues in relation to this area of practice and specifically of those that potentially impacted upon the children & young people they were looking after. Children & young people have confirmed that they were supported to pursue activities and interests they enjoyed such as after school clubs, sports, outings and spending time with friends. The fostering service provides outreach sessional work. Some very good examples were seen where this input has contributed significantly to achieving positive outcomes for children & young people in terms of community participation. Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 The expectations placed upon foster carers regarding their role in promoting children & young peoples education is clear. Foster carers conveyed an

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EVIDENCE:

awareness of their role and were able to give examples where they had supported children & young people in this area of life. One of the foster carers visited commented positively about the support they themselves had received form the service in relation to meetings and issues with schools. One of the young people whose care and support was tracked had done well in terms of examination results and was now considering career and further education options open to them. It should be noted that the fostering service has also arranged private tuition in negotiation with placing authorities to help young people with schoolwork and learning. Education is included as a key item on many agendas including supervision, quality assurance, and matching and service development.

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EVIDENCE:

Where the service was providing a series of short-term placements for a young person it was evident that matters in relation to health and education were appropriately considered to be within the remit of the young persons guardian. The recommendation was made to consider if there is a need to develop policies and procedures to meet the particular needs of children receiving short-term breaks. Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14

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

NMS 10 & 11 - Quality in this outcome area is excellent .

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

This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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

The fostering service promotes contact arrangements and consultation.

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EVIDENCE:

There was evidence to demonstrate that contact arrangements had been addressed for children & young people placed with foster carers and that the arrangements had been reviewed over time. Included in documentation sampled were records that demonstrated children & young peoples views regarding contact have been sought. Records showed that contact is one of the factors taken into account in the matching process. The service includes in the induction training programme sessions that cover contact issues. The agency provides financial support and facilitates supervised contact where needed. The agency provides high quality facilities for contact between children and their families and significant others. Overnight accommodation has also been arranged where the need to do so has been identified. Carers and young people spoken to offered the view that they were on the whole satisfied with regard to contact arrangements made.

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EVIDENCE:

The fostering service has and was working to encourage feedback from children and involve them in decisions and service development. Records showed that children & young people are routinely asked for their opinions prior to their own care reviews and the annual review of the carers looking after them. In terms of supporting foster carers and staff to develop practice in relation to listening to and acting on children & young peoples views, training that covers this topic was included in the programme of training provided. Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Information describing how to raise concerns and make complaints about the service is included in the foster carers manual, the statement of purpose and in the children’s guide. In addition to these measures Kasper have also designated a social worker as “Children’s Champion” who has since taking on the role implemented a number of various initiatives centred on promoting

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EVIDENCE:

consultation with children and young people and supporting them in placement such that positive outcomes are achieved. Finally some very good evidence was seen of the contribution of a sessional outreach worker has made in terms of providing a listening ear on terms that were in line with young peoples preference. Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16

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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):

NMS 14 - Quality in this outcome area is excellent .

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

This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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

The fostering service helps to support and prepare young people for adulthood.

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EVIDENCE:

Pathway planning and independence training has taken place for young people approaching adulthood. Future accommodation plans have been discussed. Career and further education opportunities have been explored and choices supported. The most recent care review of a young person preparing for independence was clearly building on and developed from the last. Records demonstrate consultation and involvement with young people in the process. There was an example whereby negotiations had taken place to allow a foster carer to continue to support a young person through university education if the young person chose to pursue further education. Kasper have also continued to provide practical, financial and other support to young people that have moved on into adulthood. Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17

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

NMS 1, 4, 16, 17, 21, 23, 24 and 25 - Quality in this outcome area is excellent.

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

This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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

The fostering service provides accurate and useful information about the service provided. Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 The service is monitored and controlled as specified by the standards and regulations.

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

Staff are organised and managed effectively.

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

The number qualifications and experience of staff working for the fostering service is such that the statement of purpose can be fulfilled.

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

The fostering service has a clear strategy for working with, training and supporting carers.

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

Case records for children & young people are comprehensive.

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

Administrative records are maintained as required.

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EVIDENCE:

The statement of purpose provides an accurate account of the services provided. Information about the service is also provided to children & young people including details of how to complain.

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EVIDENCE:

The fostering service has a clear organisational structure. Staffing arrangements reflect those set out in the statement of purpose. The full time and sessional members of staff including panel members have between them an enormous amount of experience and high level of qualifications in or relevant to childcare and fostering. The team is stable and works very well together. An independent awarding body for quality standards commended Kaspers practices in communication and the management of people and performance. The assessment process for foster carers takes into account and addresses all relevant factors following recognised procedures to do so. Evidence of full assessments having been completed was found on foster carers files. Records sampled showed that foster carers have undergone regular annual reviews and that the process has been coordinated efficiently.

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EVIDENCE:

Evidence was seen that demonstrated all aspects of the fostering service are monitored and that strategies have been implemented to develop service provision. Examples of such include the commissioning of an independent file and documentation audit, panel training on quality assurance functions and monitoring of the out of hours service. The processes are rounded off well by the production of regular quality review reports.

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EVIDENCE:

Written policies and procedures set out the support provided to foster carers. The strategies to provide support include arrangements for training and development, supervision, respite care and other elements specified in the standards. Speaking with foster carers and sampling of records indicated that Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 these strategies have been implemented in practice and that the role of the supervising social worker was understood.

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EVIDENCE:

The fostering service had developed a training programme for carers that covers the topics specified in the standards. The overall training programme encompasses pre approval and induction training. In addition carers are also supported and encouraged to undertake training to attain the National Vocational Qualification in looking after children & young people – at the time of this visit just over 50% of carers were reported to have completed this training an achievement for which the service is commended. Procedures are in place and implemented in practice to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of training on foster carers practice.

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EVIDENCE:

Case records were reviewed and there are policies with regard to record keeping. Carers and young people’s files were well organised. Foster carers visited demonstrated an awareness of the expectations placed upon them in terms of record keeping and had received written guidance, training and supervision covering this area of practice. Administrative records were sampled and it was ascertained that the fostering service is working to ensure these records are maintained as required by regulations. Shortfalls were noted in the independent audit recently carried out and the registered manager gave the assurance that these have been addressed. Records were being managed such that confidentiality is appropriately maintained. Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20

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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 4 Standard No Score 14 4 STAYING SAFE 29 X Standard No Score 3 3 MANAGEMENT 6 3 Standard No Score 8 3 1 3 9 4 2 X 15 4 4 4 30 3 5 X 16 4 ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING 17 4 Standard No Score 18 X 7 4 19 X 13 4 20 X 31 3 21 3 22 X MAKING A POSITIVE 23 4 CONTRIBUTION 24 3 Standard No Score 25 3 10 4 26 X 11 4 27 X 28 X 32 N/A Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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. FS8 The registered manager, in relation to the matching process, should consider developing a matrix that follows the headings of Every Child Matters highlighting identified needs and cross reference these with carers experience, proven competence and training and with an additional column for any gaps identified and proposals describing how these will be addressed. 2. FS31 The registered manager should consider the need to develop policies and procedures to ensure specific circumstances related to making short-term breaks are fully taken into account. Kasper DS0000036530.V311269.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22

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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 Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 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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