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Setting
Summary
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PO16 0EN
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Tone of the report
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Strengths
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- project has sufficient qualified and experienced workers to be able to meet the needs of carers and young people, and continues to provide excellent support to carers. p.8
- Feedback from carers was extremely positive about the support they receive and reported there always being someone available to talk to. p.24
Concerns
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- The following 4-point scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?" p.2
- NO Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(1) of the Care Standards Act 2000 of substantial failure to satisfy regulatory requirements by a Local Authority fostering service: p.9
- X Serious illness or accident of a child. p.17
- X Outbreak of serious infectious disease at a foster home. p.17
- X Serious complaint about a foster parent. p.17
Next steps
Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.
- Requirements from last Inspection visit fully actioned? p.10
- Identified below are areas not addressed from the last inspection report which indicate a non-compliance with the Care Standards Act 2000 and Fostering Services Regulations 2002. p.10
- Regulation Standard Required actions Timescale for action p.10
- Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 9 p.10
- Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 10 p.12
- Action Plan: The appropriate Officer of the Local Authority or the Registered Person (as applicable) is requested to provide the Commission with an Action Plan, which indicates how requirements are to be addressed. p.12
- This action plan will be made available on request to the Area Office. p.12
- Identified below are areas addressed in the main body of the report which indicate non- compliance with the Care Standards Act 2000, the Children Act 1989, the Fostering Services Regulations 2002, or the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services. p.12
What the report dwells on
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Safeguarding5
“Child protection officer NO” p.13Health & safety4
“X Serious illness or accident of a child.” p.17
Anatomy of the report
How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.
- Pages
- 37
- Words of findings
- 3,723
- longer than usual (typical 1049)
- Reading level
- Hard
- Flesch 46, typical 45
- Average sentence
- 17 words
- Next steps
- 8
- typical 5
- Hedged sentences
- 1%
- “some”, “not always”, “most”…
Where the words go
Full report text
Projects
213 West Street Fareham Hampshire PO16 0EN
p.1
Commission for Social Care Inspection
Launched in April 2004, the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) is the single inspectorate for social care in England.
p.2
Commission for Social Care Inspection
The Commission combines the work formerly done by the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI), the SSI/Audit Commission Joint Review Team and the National Care Standards Commission.
p.2
The role of CSCI is to:
• Promote improvement in social care • Inspect all social care - for adults and children - in the public, private and voluntary sectors • Publish annual reports to Parliament on the performance of social care and on the state of the social care market • Inspect and assess ‘Value for Money’ of council social services • Hold performance statistics on social care • Publish the ‘star ratings’ for council social services • Register and inspect services against national standards • Host the Children’s Rights Director role.
p.2
Inspection Methods & Findings
SECTION B of this report summarises key findings and evidence from this inspection. The following 4-point scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"
p.2
The 4-point scale ranges from:
4 - Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 - Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 - Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 - Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls) 'O' or blank in the 'Standard met?' box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. '9' in the 'Standard met?' box denotes standard not applicable. 'X' is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 1
p.2
Name of Agency
Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects
p.3
Fax No Address
213 West Street, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 0EN
p.3
Date of latest registration certificate
Date of last inspection 25.02.04 Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 2 Date of Inspection Visit 21st February 2005 ID Code
p.3
Date of latest registration certificate
Name of Inspector 1 Brian McQuoid 075696
p.4
inspections and bring a different
perspective to the inspection process. Name of Specialist (e.g.
p.4
Name of Establishment Representative at
the time of inspection Barbara Russell – Registered Manager Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 3
p.4
D.3. Provider’s agreement
Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 4
p.6
INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION
Independent and local authority fostering services which fall within the jurisdiction of the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) are subject to inspection, to establish if the service is meeting the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services and the requirements of the Care Standards Act 2000, the Fostering Services Regulations 2002 and the Children Act 1989 as amended.
p.6
INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION
This document summarises the inspection findings of the CSCI in respect of Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects. The inspection findings relate to the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services published by the Secretary of State under sections 23 and 49 of the Care Standards Act 2000, for independent and local authority fostering services respectively.
p.6
INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION
The Fostering Services Regulations 2002 are secondary legislation, with which a service provider must comply. Service providers are expected to comply fully with the National Minimum Standards. The National Minimum standards will form the basis for judgements by the CSCI in relation to independent fostering agencies regarding registration, the imposition and variation of registration conditions and any enforcement action, and in relation to local authority fostering services regarding notices to the local authority and reports to the Secretary of State under section 47 of the Care Standards Act 2000. The report follows the format of the National Minimum Standards and the numbering shown in the report corresponds to that of the standards.
p.6
INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION
The report will show the following: • Inspection methods used • Key findings and evidence • Overall ratings in relation to the standards • Compliance with the Regulations • Notifications to the Local Authority and Reports to the Secretary of State • Required actions on the part of the provider • Recommended good practice • Summary of the findings • Report of the Lay Assessor (where relevant) • Providers response and proposed action plan to address findings
p.6
INSPECTION VISITS
Inspections will be undertaken in line with the agreed regulatory framework with additional visits as required. This is in accordance with the provisions of the Care Standards Act 2000. The following inspection methods have been used in the production of this report. The report represents the inspector's findings from the evidence found at the specified inspection dates. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED. NCH is a national children’s voluntary organisation that has a large number of projects operating throughout the country. The NCH Wessex Community Project provides family based placements for young people as an alternative to custody when they are placed on remand by the courts and post custody placements that provide support for young people after their release while suitable accommodation is sought for them. Since the previous inspection the project has been chosen as one of three providers nationally to be part of a
p.6
INSPECTION VISITS
three year pilot of ‘Intensive Fostering’. The pilot is part of a government initiative and adopts an approach to fostering as an alternative to custody for young people that is based on a model currently operating successfully in America. The pilot was not fully underway at the time of the inspection but staff at the project and four carers had received training from fostering professionals from America. Placements under the scheme were anticipated to commence shortly and would be long-term for up to 12 months as part of a Supervision Order given by the courts as an alternative to custody. The project has also introduced a ‘Keep in Touch’ initiative since the previous inspection and this encourages young people to maintain contact with their carers after they have moved on from their home. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 6
p.7
Inspector’s Summary
(This is an overview of the inspector’s findings, which includes good practice, quality issues, areas to be addressed or developed and any other concerns.)
p.8
Inspector’s Summary
Fitness to provide or manage a Fostering Service.- The one standard assessed under this heading was met, the manager having been registered by the Commission. Securing and Promoting Welfare. – Eight standards under this heading were assessed, six were met, one was exceeded and there was a minor shortfall in one. The project has established procedures for ensuring that carers provide a suitable environment for young people and information, training and support relevant to safe-caring is provided. Carers were seen to be good at promoting and facilitating contact for young people with their families and friends and the project continues to be extremely good at consulting and involving young people. There is a need to ensure that individual records contain placement agreements. Recruiting, checking, managing, supporting and training staff and foster carers. – Three standards were assessed under this heading with two being met and one exceeded. The
p.8
Inspector’s Summary
project has sufficient qualified and experienced workers to be able to meet the needs of carers and young people, and continues to provide excellent support to carers. Records.- The one standard assessed under this heading was met.Carers are made aware of their responsibilities in respect of recording and storing information and young people are made aware of their right to access information about them. Fostering Panels. – This standard was assessed as being met. Panel members are provided with relevant training and the minutes of panel meetings showed the panel to carry out their duties in a thorough manner. Short-term breaks. – This standard was assessed as being met.The project has clear arrangements in place for providing respite. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 7
p.8
(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)
The following statutory Reports or Notifications are to be made under the Care Standards Act as a result of the findings of this inspection:
p.9
(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)
NO Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(3) of the Care Standards Act 2000 that the Commission considers the Local Authority's fostering service satisfies the regulatory requirements:
p.9
(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)
NO Notice to the Local Authority under section 47(5) of the Care Standards Act 2000 of failure(s) to satisfy regulatory requirements in their fostering service which are not substantial, and specifying the action the Commission considers the Authority should take to remedy the failure(s), informing the Secretary of State of that Notice: NO Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(4)(a) of the Care Standards Act of a failure by a Local Authority fostering service to satisfy regulatory requirements which is not considered substantial:
p.9
(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)
NO Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(1) of the Care Standards Act 2000 of substantial failure to satisfy regulatory requirements by a Local Authority fostering service:
p.9
The grounds for the above Report or Notice are:
Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 8
p.10
Implementation of Statutory Requirements from Last Inspection
Requirements from last Inspection visit fully actioned? NA
p.10
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
Identified below are areas not addressed from the last inspection report which indicate a non-compliance with the Care Standards Act 2000 and Fostering Services Regulations 2002. No. Regulation Standard Required actions Timescale for action
p.10
Action is being taken by the Commission for Social Care Inspection to monitor
compliance with the above requirements. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 9
p.10
registration are listed below, with the inspector's assessment of compliance from
the evidence at the time of this inspection.
p.11
Date
Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 10
p.12
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS IDENTIFIED DURING THIS INSPECTION
Action Plan: The appropriate Officer of the Local Authority or the Registered Person (as applicable) is requested to provide the Commission with an Action Plan, which indicates how requirements are to be addressed. This action plan will be made available on request to the Area Office.
p.12
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
Identified below are areas addressed in the main body of the report which indicate non- compliance with the Care Standards Act 2000, the Children Act 1989, the Fostering Services Regulations 2002, or the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services. The Authority or Registered Person(s) is/are required to comply within the given time scales in order to comply with the Regulatory Requirements for fostering services. No. Regulation Standard * Requirement Timescale for action
p.12
GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION
Identified below are areas addressed in the main body of the report which relate to the National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice issues which should be considered for implementation by the Authority or Registered Person(s). No. Refer to Standard * Recommendation Action
p.12
GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION
1 FS8 That the service maintain placement agreements on young people’s individual case records.
p.12
GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION
* Note: You may refer to the relevant standard in the remainder of the report by omitting the 2-letter prefix e.g FS10 refers to Standard 10. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 11
p.12
PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS
The following inspection methods have been used in the production of this report Number of Inspector days spent 1.5
p.13
PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS
Survey of placing authorities YES Foster carer survey YES Foster children survey YES Checks with other organisations and Individuals • Directors of Social services NO • Child protection officer NO • Specialist advisor (s) NO • Local Foster Care Association NO Tracking Individual welfare arrangements • Interview with children YES • Interview with foster carers YES • Interview with agency staff YES • Contact with parents NO • Contact with supervising social workers YES • Examination of files YES Individual interview with manager YES Information from provider NO Individual interviews with key staff YES Group discussion with staff NO Interview with panel chair NO Observation of foster carer training NO Observation of foster panel NO Inspection of policy/practice documents YES Inspection of records YES Interview with individual child NO
p.13
PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS
Date of Inspection 21.02.05 Time of Inspection 10.00 Duration Of Inspection (hrs) 12 Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 12 The following pages summarise the key findings and evidence from this inspection, together with the CSCI assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards have been met. The following scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"
p.13
PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS
The scale ranges from: 4 - Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 - Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 - Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 - Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls)
p.14
PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS
"0" in the "Standard met?" box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. "9" in the "Standard met?" box denotes standard not applicable. “X” is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 13
p.14
The intended outcome for the following standard is:
• There is clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and the fostering service ensures that they meet those aims and objectives.
p.15
There is a clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and of
what facilities and services they provide. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 Standard not assessed on this occasion. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 14
p.15
The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:
• The fostering service is provided and managed by those with the appropriate
p.16
work efficiently and effectively and have the necessary knowledge and experience of
childcare and fostering to do so in a professional manner. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 Standard not assessed on this occasion.
p.16
Any persons carrying on or managing the fostering service are suitable people to run
a business concerned with safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The project’s manager has been registered with the Commission and as such has been deemed a suitable person to manage a fostering service. NCH have a policy of renewing staff CRB checks every three years. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 15
p.16
The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:
• The fostering service is managed ethically and efficiently, delivering a good quality foster care service and avoiding confusion and conflicts of role.
p.17
There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the
fostering service and ensuring quality performance. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 Standard not assessed on this occasion.
p.17
There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the
Number of statutory notifications made to CSCI in last 12 months: X
p.17
There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the
Death of a child placed with foster parents. X
p.17
Referral to Secretary of State of a person working for the service as
unsuitable to work with children. X Serious illness or accident of a child. X Outbreak of serious infectious disease at a foster home. X Actual or suspected involvement of a child in prostitution. X
p.17
Serious incident relating to a foster child involving calling the police to a
foster home. X Serious complaint about a foster parent. X Initiation of child protection enquiry involving a child. X
p.17
Serious incident relating to a foster child involving calling the police to a
Number of complaints made to CSCI about the agency in the past 12 months: X Number of the above complaints which were substantiated: X
p.17
Standard 5 (5.1 - 5.4)
The fostering service is managed effectively and efficiently. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 Standard not assessed on this occasion. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 16
p.17
The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:
• The fostering service promotes and safeguards the child/young person's physical, mental and emotional welfare.
p.18
The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and
nurturing environment. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Records showed that carers households are subject to inspection prior to approval and on an annual basis thereafter. ‘Safe-Care’ plans were seen to be in place and the one carer visited as part of the inspection confirmed that they had received training and written information relevant to their health and safety responsibilities. Workers from the project visit carers regularly including one annual unannounced visit and the one household visited was seen to provide a suitable environment for young people.
p.18
The fostering service ensures that children and young people, and their families, are
provided with foster care services which value diversity and promote equality. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Valuing diversity and promoting equality are principles that are integral to the philosophy of NCH and are clearly stated within literature provided to carers and within supporting policies and procedures. The one carer visited confirmed they had received training in this subject and that there was also relevant information and guidance provided in the carers handbook. At the time of the inspection there was no evidence of any specific need under this standard having to be addressed by the service. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 17
p.18
carers only if they represent appropriate matches for a child for whom a local
authority is seeking a carer. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The project has clear procedures for receiving referrals that include provision for information gathering and carrying out risk-assessments as part of the matching process. Placement meetings were seen to take place as soon as possible after placement and care planning meetings within 72 hours. Placement agreements were not found on case records and so it was not possible to fully evidence the identified needs of young people. The inspector was informed that Placement agreements provided by the responsible authority at the placement meetings are given to the carer . Copies of these should also be maintained on individual case records. The nature of the service means that introductory visits are not always possible but carers are able to visit young people or make contact prior to post-custody placements. Workers at the project are good at ensuring that carers are as informed as possible prior to placement
p.19
carers only if they represent appropriate matches for a child for whom a local
and there was evidence of responsible authorities being chased up for information not provided.
p.19
The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,
neglect, exploitation and deprivation. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Carers receive training and information relevant to the protection of young people prior to approval and this was confirmed by the carer visited who had been approved by the project since the previous inspection. Safe-caring plans are drawn up in consultation with carers and these were in evidence on case records. Information provided for carers covers child protection procedures, guidance on bullying as an issue and on managing behaviour that states explicitly that corporal punishment is not acceptable. There are also procedures for carers to follow in the event of a young person going missing from the home.
p.19
being bullied:
X % Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 18
p.19
encouraged to maintain and develop family contacts and friendships as set out in
her/his care plan and/or foster placement agreement. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The importance of maintaining contact with family and friends for a young person is emphasised to carers by the project and carers confirmed that they facilitate contact in a variety of ways including visits to the carers home. The one young person spoken with reported being happy with the arrangements in place for him to maintain contact with his family. Case records also provided clear evidence of workers at the project promoting and supporting contact arrangements for young people.
p.20
others significant to the child, are sought over all issues that are likely to affect their
daily life and their future. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 NCH has a child-centred philosophy that is reflected in the way the project operates and seeking the views of young people is an integral part of the process. There was good evidence of this gained during the inspection from records and from feedback from carers and young people. The ‘Keep in Touch’ initiative was a good example of young people being involved and consulted about events taking place in their lives. Young people are provided with information about how to make a complaint including how to contact the Commission .
p.20
training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation
in decisions about her/his health needs. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The carer visited was clear about their responsibilities in respect of the routine health needs of young people placed with them and reported having been provided with information and guidance in relation to such. Health needs of young people are identified as part of the care planning process and there is good support provided by the project’s workers concerning health issues including access to relevant health professionals when necessary. Access to NHS dental care was an issue raised by one carer and another reported that they would like to have some first-aid training. These are issues to be followed up by the project and were relayed to the project manager during the inspection. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 19
p.20
child or young person in foster care and ensures that she/he is encouraged to attain
her/his full potential. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The project places a high priority on maintaining young people’s educational placements whenever possible . Educational needs were seen to be addressed as part of the care planning process and there was evidence of support provided by the project during a difficult time for a carer with a young person who was not attending school. In addition the literacy needs of one young person were being addressed by the carer who was encouraging trips to the library and supporting reading within the home.
p.21
The fostering service ensures that their foster care services help to develop skills,
competence and knowledge necessary for adult living. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 This standard was not assessed on this occasion. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 20
p.21
The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:
• The people who work in or for the fostering service are suitable to work with
p.22
number of staff and carers and their range of qualifications and experience are
sufficient to achieve the purposes and functions of the organisation.
p.22
Any people working in or for the fostering service are suitable people to work with
children and young people and to safeguard and promote their welfare. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 NCH have established procedures for the recruitment and selection of staff that provide appropriately for the safeguarding of children and young people. Staff at the project are suitably qualified for their roles by virtue of professional qualifications and knowledge and experience of work in this field. Supervision of any unqualified staff undertaking assessments is carried out by the project’s senior practitioner.
p.22
Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective
foster care service. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 This standard was not assessed on this occasion. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 21
p.22
qualified staff and recruits a range of carers to meet the needs of children and young
people for whom it aims to provide a service. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 At the time of the inspection the project had an adequate number of suitably qualified and experienced workers to meet the needs of carers. This includes someone now qualified to undertake the pre-approval ‘ Skills to Foster ‘ course. Those staff spoken with reported being extremely well supported, receiving regular supervision and having regular opportunities for training provided. Competency based assessments for carers were seen to be carried out thoroughly and to be well evidenced.
p.23
The fostering service is a fair and competent employer, with sound employment
practices and good support for its staff and carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 This standard was not assessed on this occasion.
p.23
There is a good quality training programme to enhance individual skills and to keep
staff up-to-date with professional and legal developments. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 This standard was not assessed on this occasion. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 22
p.23
Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.5)
All staff are properly accountable and supported. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 This standard was not assessed on this occasion.
p.24
Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)
The fostering service has a clear strategy for working with and supporting carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 The project has a clearly defined strategy for supporting carers that includes training , supervision , regular contact including visits, a comprehensive handbook, a 24hr on-call service, regular reviews and arrangements for respite. Feedback from carers was extremely positive about the support they receive and reported there always being someone available to talk to. Annual reviews were seen to be presented to panel and there was evidence of the project communicating with young people’s social workers.
p.24
The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers
and helps them to develop their skills. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 This standard was not assessed on this occasion. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 23
p.24
provide high quality care and meet the needs of each child/young person placed in
their care. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 This standard was not assessed on this occasion. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 24
p.25
The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:
• All appropriate records are kept and are accessible in relation to the fostering services and the individual foster carers and foster children.
p.26
maintained for each child or young person in foster care which details the nature and
quality of care provided and contributes to an understanding of her/his life events.
p.26
Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to
anyone involved in her/his care. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There is an established policy on case recording for workers and case records were seen to be well organised. The carer visited confirmed relevant guidance and information on recording had been provided for them and that they were aware of the need for safe storage and confidentiality of information. The young person spoken with also confirmed that they had been provided with written information informing them of their rights in relation to accessing their records. Some carers reported not being provided with all relevant information prior to young people being placed with them but acknowledged that this was not the fault of the project who passed on all the relevant information they had and chased up additional information required. There was no evidence that any lack of information had been significantly detrimental to the welfare of any young person.
p.26
The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information
relevant to the running of the foster care service and as required by regulations. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 This standard was not assessed on this occasion.
p.26
The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information
Number of current foster placements supported by the agency: X Number of placements made by the agency in the last 12 months: X
p.26
months:
X Number of new foster carers approved during the last 12 months: X Number of foster carers who left the agency during the last 12 months: X
p.26
Maximum £
X Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 25
p.26
The intended outcome for the following standard is:
• The premises used as offices by the fostering service are suitable for the purpose.
p.27
Standard 26 (26.1 - 26.5)
Premises used as offices by the fostering service are appropriate for the purpose. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 This standard was not assessed on this occasion. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 26
p.27
The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:
• The agency fostering services are financially viable and appropriate and timely payments are made to foster carers.
p.28
The agency ensures it is financially viable at all times and has sufficient financial
resources to fulfil its obligations. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 This standard was not assessed on this occasion.
p.28
The financial processes/systems of the agency are properly operated and maintained
in accordance with sound and appropriate accounting standards and practice. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 This standard was not assessed on this occasion. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 27
p.28
cost of caring for each child or young person placed with him or her. Payments are
made promptly and at the agreed time. Allowances and fees are reviewed annually. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 This standard was not assessed on this occasion. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 28
p.29
The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:
• Fostering panels are organised efficiently and effectively so as to ensure that
p.30
Fostering panels have clear written policies and procedures, which are implemented
in practice, about the handling of their functions. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There are clear operational procedures in place for the projects panel and panel members receive appropriate training in relation to these and their responsibilities. The panel minutes reflected a thorough process being carried out. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 29
p.30
The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:
• When foster care is provided as a short-term break for a child, the arrangement recognises that the parents remain the main carers for the child.
p.31
have policies and procedures, implemented in practice, to meet the particular needs
of children receiving short-term breaks. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The project does not provide short-term breaks as part of its primary functions, but does provide respite arrangements for carers and young people. There are clear procedures in place for these and other carers within the project provide the respite care when needed. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 30
p.31
The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:
• Local authority fostering services' policies and procedures for assessing,
p.32
there is recognition of the particular relationship and position of family and friend
carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 9 This standard is not applicable. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 31
p.32
Date
Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 32
p.34
comments/confirmation relating to the content and accuracy of the report for
We would welcome comments on the content of this report relating to the Inspection conducted on 21 February 2005 and any factual inaccuracies:
p.34
comments/confirmation relating to the content and accuracy of the report for
Please limit your comments to one side of A4 if possible Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 33
p.34
Action taken by the CSCI in response to the provider’s comments:
Amendments to the report were necessary NO
p.35
Action taken by the CSCI in response to the provider’s comments:
Comments were received from the provider NO
p.35
Action taken by the CSCI in response to the provider’s comments:
Provider comments/factual amendments were incorporated into the final inspection report NO
p.35
Action taken by the CSCI in response to the provider’s comments:
NO Provider comments are available on file at the Area Office but have not been incorporated into the final inspection report. The inspector believes the report to be factually accurate
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Note:
In instances where there is a major difference of view between the Inspector and the Registered Provider responsible Local Authority fostering service Manager both views will be made available on request to the Area Office.
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report:
Action plan was received at the point of publication NO
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report:
Action plan covers all the statutory requirements in a timely fashion NO
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report:
Action plan did not cover all the statutory requirements and required further discussion NO
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report:
Provider has declined to provide an action plan NO
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Public reports
It should be noted that all CSCI inspection reports are public documents. Reports on children’s homes are only obtainable on personal application to CSCI offices. Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects Page 34
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Registered Person’s or responsible Local Authority Manager’s statement of
agreement/comments: Please complete the relevant section that applies.
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Date
Note: In instance where there is a profound difference of view between the Inspector and the Registered Provider both views will be reported. Please attach any extra pages, as applicable.
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Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects / 21st February 2005
Commission for Social Care Inspection 33 Greycoat Street London SW1P 2QF
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Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects / 21st February 2005
Telephone: 020 7979 2000 Fax: 020 7979 2111
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Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects / 21st February 2005
National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 www.csci.org.uk
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Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects / 21st February 2005
S0000039572.V202269.R01 © This report may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection
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Foster Care NCH: Wessex Community Projects / 21st February 2005
The paper used in this document is supplied from a sustainable source
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