Setting

Leslie Ironside SC_SC067414_20070322.doc Version 5.2 Page 1 ADOPTION SUPPORT AGENCIES

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Lead Inspector Sue Spencer-Newth Announced Inspection 22nd March 2007 09:00 am 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

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Leslie Ironside SC_SC067414_20070322.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 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 service are those for Adoption Support Agencies. 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 This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection.

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Leslie Ironside SC_SC067414_20070322.doc Version 5.2 Page 3

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Name of service

Address 35 Clermont Terrace Brighton East Sussex BN1 6SJ

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manager (if applicable)

Type of registration Adoption Support Agency

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manager (if applicable)

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Conditions of registration:

1. To provide services to adults and children

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Conditions of registration:

Date of last inspection This is the first inspection of this agency since registration.

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Brief Description of the Service:

This is a single person practice. Dr Ironside is a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. The agency was registered in 2006 by Mr Ironside as a ‘user-focused service. The agency provides services in relation to the therapeutic needs of an adoptive child, assistance for the purposes of ensuring the relationship between an adoptive child and his or her adoptive parent continues, assistance where an adoption disruption has occurred or is in danger of occurring including mediation services. The agency also provides a service to adoption agencies in preparing and training adoptive parents. The agency is an individual and does not employ staff or contract services.

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Brief Description of the Service:

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SUMMARY

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

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SUMMARY

The inspection was carried out over one half day by one inspector. During the course of the inspection the following was undertaken: Interview with Mr Ironside. Inspection of case records sample. An inspection of policies and procedures. Surveys completed by service users (8). Inspection of premises and security. Telephone interviews of service users(2)

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What the service does well:

This is an agency that takes its responsibilities seriously and provides individual services to a wide range of people with complex needs. Mr Ironside is a highly respected practitioner in the field of psychotherapy. He demonstrated significant knowledge, skill and understanding of the needs of children and young people who are adopted and adults who require assistance and support with a range of adoption issues.

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What the service does well:

He has a professional and sensitive approach to his work that was clearly appreciated by the people who responded to a survey questionnaire. Some respondents were particularly happy about the quality of service they received and the way in which they were provided. All survey questionnaires and interviews were positive. One adult commented “ he is extremely sensitive and never makes me feel like I am being silly which other people have done”.

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What the service does well:

Mr Ironside’s workload is carefully managed and monitored. He has external support and consultation, which is provided regularly.

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What the service does well:

Overall, this inspection found the agency to be of a very good standard which provides services that were tailored to meet the individual needs of service users. The services offered by Mr Ironside are grounded in a wealth of experience and expertise and delivered in a professional, considered way.

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What the service does well:

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What has improved since the last inspection?

This was the first inspection of this service since it was registered.

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What they could do better:

The agency has two children’s guides, which are suitable for older children and young people. The agency should consider adapting the existing children’s guide or designing one suitable for younger children.

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What they could do better:

Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request.

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What they could do better:

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CONTENTS

Fitness to provide or manage an adoption support agency

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CONTENTS

Management of the adoption support agency

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CONTENTS

Employment and management of staff and volunteers

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CONTENTS

Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection

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CONTENTS

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The intended outcome for Standard 1 is:

There is a clear written statement of the aims and objectives of the adoption support agency and the agency ensures that it meets those aims and objectives

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JUDGEMENT

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

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JUDGEMENT

The statement is presented in a clear and unequivocal manner, thereby allowing the reader an understanding of what the agency provides.

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EVIDENCE:

The statement of purpose is a well-presented document, which meets the regulations and standards. It is easy to read and gives a clear overview of what services are provided by the agency.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency has developed two children’s guides, which are made available to all children and young people. The guides were presented well and meet the regulations. Consideration to making or adapting the children’s guide for younger children would further enhance the documentation.

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EVIDENCE:

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The intended outcome for Standard 2 is:

The adoption support agency safeguards and promotes the physical, mental and emotional welfare of people affected by adoption who wish to use its services.

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JUDGEMENT

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

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JUDGEMENT

Service users’ welfare is a predominant factor in the agency’s motivation, which results in a very caring approach that safeguards people’s emotional wellbeing.

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EVIDENCE:

Throughout the visit Mr Ironside demonstrated a thorough understanding of the life long implications of adoption and was able to show that he is sensitive to and knowledgeable about the issues involved.

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EVIDENCE:

Mr Ironsides service users are from a range of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Mr Ironside demonstrated a sound understanding of diversity, equality and anti-discrimination issues.

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EVIDENCE:

Respondents to questionnaires were very complementary about the way they were treated and included comments such as, “Professional, helpful and extremely sensitive”, and “ provides a very caring service”.

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EVIDENCE:

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The intended outcome for Standard 3 is:

People affected by adoption receive a service from the adoption support agency that is appropriate and tailored to their particular need. They are treated fairly, openly and with respect throughout their contact with the agency.

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JUDGEMENT

Quality in this outcome area is excellent.

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JUDGEMENT

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

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JUDGEMENT

Mr Ironside’s understanding of people needs makes for clear assessments and, thereby, individual tailor-made services.

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EVIDENCE:

Mr Ironside is a highly respected figure in his field. This complimentary information has come from a range of sources including questionnaires and telephone interviews and was reflected in the outcomes of the work that he has undertaken. Service users from a range of backgrounds, many with complex needs have received a successful outcome from Mr Ironside’s work. He is careful to assess the needs of the service user before any work is undertaken and then proceeds with the appropriate sensitivity and caution required.

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EVIDENCE:

Service user survey comments demonstrated their satisfaction with the agency’s understanding of their issues and needs with comments such as, “excellent help and support”, being typical. Telephone interviews with service users described the service that Mr Ironside offers as “brilliant, very professional, extremely sensitive and always helpful”.

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EVIDENCE:

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The intended outcome for Standard 4 is:

The adoption support agency’s service users receive a good-quality, professional service, based on their needs identified by an assessment.

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JUDGEMENT

Quality in this outcome area is excellent.

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JUDGEMENT

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

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JUDGEMENT

All evidence showed that the service was of a high quality and professionally undertaken resulting in positive outcomes.

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EVIDENCE:

Mr Ironside demonstrated a clear and thoughtful approach to providing services. He understands the needs of children who have been adopted and the needs of families who are experiencing difficulties. Mr Ironside also provides a supportive service to prospective adoptive parents and consultation to professionals working in the field of adoption.

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EVIDENCE:

Survey respondents were exceptionally complimentary about the services they received, saying, for instance, “he is brilliant”, “I would highly recommend him”.

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EVIDENCE:

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The intended outcomes for Standards 5 and 6 are:

The adoption support agency is provided and managed by those who are suitable and have the appropriate skills and experience to do so effectively and efficiently to provide the services specified in the Statement of purpose

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The intended outcomes for Standards 5 and 6 are:

5 Skills to provide or manage 6 Suitability to carry on or manage

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

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):

Extensive experience, a skilled approach and strong knowledge base provides for a well-managed service.

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EVIDENCE:

Mr Ironside was registered as an Adoption Support Agency (ASA) in 2006. During the registration process it was clear that he was appropriately qualified, experienced and skilled to run such an agency.

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EVIDENCE:

Mr Ironside has been involved in fostering and adoption work for about eighteen years. He demonstrated exceptional understanding of the processes involved in this area of work and the potential impact it has on the people who use his services. He is a qualified Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist with considerable experience in children and families work.

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EVIDENCE:

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The intended outcomes for Standards 7 and 8 are:

The adoption support agency safeguards and promotes the physical, mental and emotional welfare of people affected by adoption who wish to use its services.

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The intended outcomes for Standards 7 and 8 are:

7 Managing effectively and efficiently 8 Monitoring and controlling

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

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):

Careful monitoring of the service and progress demonstrates a sound and appropriate service being provided.

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EVIDENCE:

As an individual provider Mr Ironside ensures that all appropriate systems are in place to ensure that the management of the service is appropriately monitored and controlled. Financial systems are appropriately managed and service users are clear about charges and methods of payment.

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EVIDENCE:

Mr Ironside has excellent policies and procedures that safeguard and promote the physical, mental and emotional welfare of people affected by adoption. These are backed up by an excellent understanding of legal and regulatory requirements.

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EVIDENCE:

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The intended outcomes for Standards 9 to 14 are:

The staff and volunteers who work in the adoption support agency are suitable to work with the agency’s service users and they are managed, trained and supported in such a way as to ensure the best possible outcomes for service users. The number of staff and volunteers and their range of qualifications and experience are sufficient to achieve the purposes and functions of the adoptions support agency.

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The intended outcomes for Standards 9 to 14 are:

9 Suitability to work with service users 10 Organisation and management of staff 11 Sufficient staff with the right skills and experience 12 Fair and competent employer 13 Training 14 Accountability and support

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The intended outcomes for Standards 9 to 14 are:

(These standards 9-14 do not apply where the registered provider is an individual and does not have staff or volunteers)

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

Quality in this outcome area is Quality in this outcome area is – not

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EVIDENCE:

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The intended outcome for Standard 15 is:

The registered provider manages the agency effectively and efficiently and is suitable to work with the agency’s service users. He or she is trained and supported in such a way as to ensure the best possible outcomes for service users.

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The intended outcome for Standard 15 is:

(This standard only applies where the registered provider is an individual and does not have staff or volunteers)

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JUDGEMENT

Quality in this outcome area is excellent.

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JUDGEMENT

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

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JUDGEMENT

The agency is well managed and supported ensuring a seamless service being provided.

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EVIDENCE:

Mr Ironside demonstrated a clear understanding of how the agency should be, and is, managed. The processes he uses are transparent, easily understood and clearly aimed at providing the best possible service.

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EVIDENCE:

Mr Ironside has appropriate supervision and consultation in line with the professional arrangements laid down by the code of practice for psychotherapists.

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EVIDENCE:

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The intended outcome for Standard 16 is:

Complaints and representations are resolved quickly and handled in a sensitive, thorough and non-biased manner.

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JUDGEMENT

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

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JUDGEMENT

A clear and available complaints procedure ensures service users are aware of their rights.

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EVIDENCE:

There is a written complaints policy backed up by an explicit procedure which are made available to all service users through the statement of purpose and children’s guides. There have been no complaints since registration.

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EVIDENCE:

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The intended outcomes for Standards 17 to 21 are:

All appropriate records are securely maintained, retained and are accessible when required.

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The intended outcomes for Standards 17 to 21 are:

17 Records with respect to services 18 Adoption case records 19 Access to adoption case records 20 Administrative records 21 Personnel files for members of staff and volunteers

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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):

Well-maintained records ensure confidentiality and security of information.

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EVIDENCE:

Case records are maintained in respect of all service users in receipt of a service from the agency. They are comprehensive and include all contact records. It was evident that Mr Ironside is fully aware of confidentiality issues and maintains all records securely. Much of the work done is on computers, these are backed-up off the premises weekly and are password protected. All hard copy files are kept in locked filing cabinets.

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EVIDENCE:

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The intended outcome for Standard 22 is:

The premises used by the adoption support agency are suitable for the purpose of providing the services as set out in the agency’s statement of purpose.

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JUDGEMENT

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

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JUDGEMENT

The comfortable and secure surroundings provide a very good facility for service users.

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EVIDENCE:

The premises were visited and were deemed suitable for the purpose of providing the services as set out in the statement of purpose. The consulting room consist of the main room, a hall, waiting room and toilet. There is a separate entrance to the rest of the building. The premises are locked and adequately insured.

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EVIDENCE:

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The intended outcomes for Standards 23 and 24 are:

The adoption support agency is financially viable

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The intended outcomes for Standards 23 and 24 are:

23 Financial viability 24 Financial processes

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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):

Sound financial resources provides for service users to be confident that the service will continue.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency is financially viable. Registration was dependent upon satisfactory bank references.

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EVIDENCE:

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Adoption 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)

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

“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

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Standard No Score EMPLOYMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS 1 3 Standard No Score 9 N/A 10 N/A SAFEGUARDING AND PROMOTING WELFARE 11 N/A Standard No Score 12 N/A 2 3 13 N/A 14 N/A USER FOCUSED SERVICES Standard No Score INDIVIDUAL PRACTITIONERS 3 4 Standard No Score 15 4 SERVICE DELIVERY Standard No Score 4 4 COMPLAINTS AND REPRESENTATIONS Standard No Score 16 3 FITNESS TO PROVIDE OR MANAGE AN ADOPTION SUPPORT AGENCY RECORDS Standard No Score Standard No Score 5 4 17 3 6 4 18 3 19 3 20 3 MANAGEMENT OF THE ADOPTION SUPPORT AGENCY 21 N/A Standard No Score 7 4 8 4

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

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Continued

FITNESS OF PREMISES FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS Standard No Score Standard No Score 22 3 23 3 24 3

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Continued

Leslie Ironside SC_SC067414_20070322.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection?

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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, Adoption support regulations 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 ADS1 The agency should consider adapting the existing children’s guide or designing one suitable for younger children.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

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Commission for Social Care Inspection Commission for Social Care Inspection

North West Regional Office North West Regional Office 11th Floor 11th Floor West Point West Point 501 Chester Road 501 Chester Road Old Trafford Old Trafford M16 9HU M16 9HU

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Commission for Social Care Inspection Commission for Social Care Inspection

National Enquiry Line: National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.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 © 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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Commission for Social Care Inspection Commission for Social Care Inspection

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