Setting

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Announced 13 June 2005 : 09:30 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to:

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BL3 2RN

• 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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BL3 2RN

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 Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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

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BL3 2RN

Every Child Matters, outlined the government’s vision for children’s services and formed the basis of the Children Act 2004. It provides a framework for inspection so that children’s services should be judged on their contribution to the outcomes considered essential to wellbeing in childhood and later life. Those outcomes are: • Being healthy • Staying safe • Enjoying and achieving • Making a contribution; and • Achieving economic wellbeing.

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In response, the Commission for Social Care Inspection has re-ordered the national minimum standards for children’s services under the five outcomes, for reporting purposes. A further section has been created under ‘Management’ to cover those issues that will potentially impact on all the outcomes above.

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BL3 2RN

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. Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4

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SERVICE INFORMATION

Name of service Fostering Solutions Limited

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manager (if applicable)

Type of registration IFA Fostering Agency

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of places

Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5

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Conditions of registration:

The service should employ a suitably qualified and experienced Manager who is registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection.

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Brief Description of the Service:

The overall aim of Fostering Solutions is “to provide a high quality service to looked after children and young people by developing good working relationships with them, their families, social services, foster carers and education/health services”

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Brief Description of the Service:

Their stated principles and values include a continued commitment; v To excellence in childcare provision; v To providing a child centred service; v To the training, support and development of carers and v To make a difference.

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Brief Description of the Service:

They write “we pledge never to compromise on our own standards of service and to regularly and actively seek external evaluation.” Their mission statement is "to be the preferred fostering agency providing a high quality, child centred service". Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 6

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SUMMARY

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

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SUMMARY

This was an announced inspection with two inspectors. It took place over 8 days during 13 th June to 5 th July. The plan had already been agreed with Fostering Solutions and a timetable given to them. The four carers visited had been contacted by telephone to arrange a date and time that suited them and letters were sent out to confirm this.

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SUMMARY

Two months before the inspection, questionnaires were sent out to children and young people, their social workers and carers to find out what they thought about Fostering Solutions and all their views are included in this Report.

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SUMMARY

On the first morning the inspectors met with the people who run the service to talk about any changes since the last inspection in June 2004 and in the afternoon they read files about the carers and children they would be visiting. The Inspectors read files including the two new staff who were going to be interviewed; then telephoned some of the adults who had sent back questionnaires to talk more about some of their answers; they visited carers and young people.

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SUMMARY

The Registered Manager was spoken to and two members of staff were interviewed. Both inspectors observed a panel meeting and training session and had a meeting with some of the people who work for the service to talk about some of the things the inspectors had found.

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What the service does well:

13 young people sent back questionnaires to the Inspectors. Some of the answers to the question, “what’s the best thing about fostering for you?” were: “you get a lot of care and you have fun”, “we get looked after well”, “my foster carers are fair and if I need help they are there for me”. These were some of the answers to the question is there anything you want the inspector to put in the report? Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 7 “ I luv it ere” “my carers have changed my life around and for the best!” “I finally ended up with the best people eva”

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What the service does well:

When the carers were asked this question most of them talked about the “ excellent” support they get from Fostering Solutions, including a “24 hour helpline if needed” . One wrote on their questionnaire, “nothing is too much for them to do. I have been impressed by how much support you get”. Another wrote “very supportive. There is always someone to talk to if you need to”. A good number were also pleased with the “availability of “ and the “varied training courses” on offer. One carer described Fostering Solutions as “an organised agency” and one carer said “we get paid on time”.

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What the service does well:

The social workers who work for Fostering Solutions really liked the “fantastic” and “excellent admin support”. One told the inspectors “I cant fault admin-they are absolutely bob on”. Another said “There is a commitment to high standards”.

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What the service does well:

22 young people’s social workers sent back questionnaires and 19 of them ticked the box “ very well indeed” to the question, how well do you think the foster carer is looking after this child? Some then added comments like: “just an excellent carer who really cares about and supports the young people”. “the foster carer is an exceptional carer who always put the children’s needs first”.

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What the service does well:

Fostering Solutions was described by social workers as “flexible and approachable and has a real understanding of the needs of children who are placed on a long term basis”. Another wrote, “the agency offers care, support and guidance and are flexible in their approach to care”.

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What the service does well:

The good things they wrote about the carers were: “commitment” “consistency” ”boundaries in place” “stable routines”, “the carers show warmth and affection”, “excellent understanding of their role”, “consistent, supportive attitude and determination to sort problems out without being a nag!” “stability, understanding, comfort and reassurance” , “ high level of support and commitment to the young person. They have supported him to settle whilst instilling kind but firm behavioural boundaries. He appears to be fully integrated into the family”, “the ability to motivate and encourage the young people”.

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What the service does well:

One social worker finished off the questionnaire by writing, “Thank you for the commitment Fostering Solutions and the carers have shown the young person to date . This is greatly appreciated.” Another wrote, “The young people have benefited from the stability provided by these carers. This is evidenced in the excellent progress they have made. They have formed secure attachments to both carers. This is the most positive placement we could have requested”. Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 8 The inspectors found that carers are really good at supporting the children and young people’s contact with their families. To give some examples, one carer travels 66 miles every week to take a child to see her parents and another travels 80 miles every six weeks so a child can see his brothers and sisters. Many have contact in their own home. One answer summed up many carers

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What the service does well:

response to contact “willing to transport, supervise and have had contact in our home on numerous occasions.”

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What the service does well:

Carers are also really good at making sure children get the right education and that they go. 100% of the children and young people of school age placed with Fostering Solutions carers in the North West are in school. One carer visited won an appeal to get the young woman who lives with her to the School she wanted

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What the service does well:

One group of siblings visited were “all progressing well” which is another excellent outcome.

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What the service does well:

Another young lady visited “never missed a day of School” since moving into her current placement and was described by one teacher as “blossoming within this placement and becoming a role model for other children”. To her credit she is now in College. Her two sisters who now live with her are also in full time education and doing well.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

There are now two new workers called “Development Managers” who have lots of experience working with children and young people. They really care and want to make sure they are all safe and happy with their carers.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection a brand new building has been built which has modern furniture inside. The only complaint was that it gets very hot and so the owners fitted air conditioning.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The panel has made improvements since the last inspection and one inspector who has not been to Fostering Solutions before really liked the fact that everybody got the chance to speak.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

One carer wrote, “There are regular training sessions. They have been subject to reorganisation recently. They have been changed to a local venue and different providers have been used. This has led to a much improved service”. Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 9 This service is always wanting to get better and better which is great and to do this they have finished their “green book” which looks at how they meet all the National Minimum Standards and the Regulations.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection, every month social workers discuss one of their carers and the children who live with them with their boss to make sure they are still offering a good service. They also have to complete a form to show that they have spoken to the children when they visit carers homes.

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What they could do better:

One suggestion from one young person was, “make parties for us to meet people so we know we are not the only ones”.

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What they could do better:

In the questionnaires 6 out of the 13 young people were still saying that the fostering service are not asking them about how the service could be made better. To try to get better at this, two workers are going to set up a “North West Children’s Forum” and to have one big event every year.

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What they could do better:

Carers in one identified area “would like the training to be closer to home.” This is being looked at. Another carer felt that “support groups could be better organised. No structure in the main”. A third wrote, “more information could be made available as to why previous placements break down.”

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What they could do better:

The biggest challenge for the service is to try to get more carers from lot of different ethnic origins and religions so that children can have a much better choice of who they want to live with.

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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. Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 10

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CONTENTS

Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 11

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The intended outcomes these Standards are:

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

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The Commission considers Standard 12 the key standard to be

inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 12

The arrangements in place for promoting the health and development of children and young people is good.

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EVIDENCE:

It is a clear expectation on carers that they promote healthy eating and lifestyles and there were good examples of this in the homes visited and the files read.

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EVIDENCE:

Answers from young people on their questionnaire to “please say what sort of help you get from your foster home with staying healthy and how to look after yourself” included: “eating sensibly”, “lots of fruit”, ”pure juices”, “healthy food and exercise”, “able to shower every morning”, “lots of fruit”, and “we eat lots of vegetables”.

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EVIDENCE:

The foster carers’ handbook contains comprehensive information on how to promote the health care of children and ensuring access to health services. Carers receive training on first aid, food hygiene, drugs, alcohol, sexual health, risk assessments and keeping safe.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency requests full information on the health needs of young people placed from the relevant local authorities, and the carers interviewed clearly understood their role to promote the health of any child in their care and to maintain relevant records. Those visited were all registered with a local GP and dentist and were up to date on their medicals. Diaries were examined which provided evidence that carers record all appointments and the outcomes. Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 12

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The intended outcomes these Standards are:

• Any persons carrying on or managing the service are suitable. (NMS 3) • The fostering service provides suitable foster carers.(NMS 6) • The service matches children to carers appropriately.(NMS 8) • The fostering service protects each child or young person from abuse and neglect.(NMS 9) • The people who work in or for the fostering service are suitable to work with children and young people.(NMS 15) • Fostering panels are organised efficiently and effectively.(NMS 30)

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The Commission considers Standards 3, 6, 8, 9, and 15 the key

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

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30

Overall, the calibre of the staff and carers working for Fostering Solutions is very high and the human resources systems and procedures are good.

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30

A key challenge for the service is to provide a wide range of carers to meet the very specific assessed needs and preferences of the children and young people who need a placement.

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30

The homes visited offered safe and nurturing environments and all the children and young people liked their bedrooms.

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30

The fostering panel is well organised, ensuring relevant questions are asked and good discussions take place.

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EVIDENCE:

Three staff files were examined in detail. Applicants complete a written application form and if short listed are invited for interview where notes are taken. There was clear documentary evidence that references are taken up on successful candidates and the Inspectors directly observed staff following up references by telephone. Overall the files were in good order but one identified individual requires a written reference from his most recent employer to satisfy Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 13 Regulation 26 Schedule 2(3). The Inspectors acknowledge that this was immediately requested. There is a good system in place to make sure criminal record checks are renewed every three years.

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EVIDENCE:

One social worker and one manager were interviewed who had both commenced employment since the last inspection. They were suitably qualified, experienced and child focussed and had a good understanding of their respective roles.

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EVIDENCE:

Four carers’ homes were visited during this inspection. Annual health and safety checks and safe caring policies were in place. They were all clean and comfortable.

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EVIDENCE:

All the children and young people seen were very happy in their current placements. One young woman told the inspector “My carer could go up for the best carer of the year-she’s absolutely beautiful-I reckon she should get a certificate”. They were all proud to show off their bedrooms which were all suitably decorated and furnished and their treasured possessions and new clothes. One young person who showed the inspector round the home said “I love it the way it is”.

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EVIDENCE:

Responses from two carers highlighted the need for better matches. One wrote, “more thought should be given when matching carers to placements”. Another wrote, “ I think more focus should be placed on what carers would offer the children”. This again raises the fact that despite best efforts on the part of the Agency, Local Authorities do not always provide the full information on the young person prior to placement. One carer wrote “more detail would be beneficial and help us to understand the placement’s behaviour”. Another stated that “more information could be made available as to why previous placements break down.”

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EVIDENCE:

The Inspectors found that, realistically, given the background of some of the children specifically discussed, if there had been more choice then placements would probably not have been made. One young person, for example, was visibly shaken when he was introduced to white carers. He also has a very strong Christian faith and the carers are atheists. Another sibling group were not matched with carers of the same heritage. Another boy was placed with carers approved for younger children. Despite clear gaps in matching, it must be stressed that the children in these placements were all happy and settled.

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EVIDENCE:

There was also no documentary evidence on some of these files that the gaps in the match were compensated for in line with Standard 8.4. Rather, the inspectors were impressed that carers have really gone out of their way to gain specific information and involve the children in relevant local activities to promote their heritage and religions. To satisfy standard 8.6 some carers need specific training in this area. Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 14 An excellent example of carers meeting holistic needs is a family who are travelling to India to meet birth parents. The young person is happy and settled and is now attending College and doing really well.

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EVIDENCE:

22 social workers returned questionnaires and without exception confirmed that the young people were safe in their current placement and they would have no concerns about placing another child with the particular carers. Comments included, “the child is happy and content and is making good progress”. “ the young people have benefited from the stability provided by these carers. This is evidenced in the excellent progress they have both made. They have formed secure attachments to both carers. This is the most positive placement we could have requested”. “ the child is receiving excellent care from the carer” “the carer provides the child with all of her physical, intellectual and emotional needs”. “The carer genuinely cares for [the boys] and I can “feel” this when I see them in her pressence”

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EVIDENCE:

Fostering Solutions has a written procedure for a child being absent without permission, a child protection policy that includes signs and symptoms of abuse and an anti-bullying policy. Foster carers are trained in child protection and in managing challenging behaviour. The foster carer handbook has clear guidelines on safe caring and an excellent example of a child friendly policy was seen.

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EVIDENCE:

The handbook makes clear to foster carers that corporal punishment is not acceptable and also includes information detailing sanctions that may be used and those which must never be used, stressing the importance of positive reinforcement for acceptable behaviour. All the social workers who returned questionnaires confirmed that they were clear about the “measures of controls” in place at the carer’s homes and found their practices to be acceptable. All the carers also confirmed a clear understanding and added, for example, “they work for us”, “the punishments are acceptable and fair”, “the more experience you acquire along the way, punishments become few and far between”.

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EVIDENCE:

A panel was observed as part of this inspection and good practice was found. It was quorate. Full reports had been made available to the members prior to the meeting and it was apparent from the discussions and specific questions asked that all members had familiarised themselves with the contents. In the formal setting of the main panel, the chair enabled all the participants to contribute and relevant issues were fully explored. It was also seen to fulfil its quality assurance function. All members were introduced by name and experience to the prospective/ existing carers who attended. Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 15

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The intended outcomes these Standards are:

• The fostering service values diversity.(NMS 7) • The fostering service promotes educational achievement.(NMS 13) • When foster care is provided as a short-term break for a child, the arrangements recognise that the parents remain the main carers for the child.(NMS 31)

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

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

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 7 and 13

The biggest challenge for the service is to continue to try to recruit more carers from wide variety of different ethnic origins and religions to ensure children can have a much better choice of who they want to live with.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 7 and 13

As Fostering Solutions has expanded it has become more apparent that the staff team also does not reflect the diversity of the local community.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 7 and 13

The arrangements in place for promoting educational achievement is particularly good.

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EVIDENCE:

Fostering Solutions values diversity and actively promotes equality but the majority of carers are white British so choices are limited. Anti-discriminatory practice underpins all training, and specific courses include ‘Valuing Heritage’ and ‘Coping with Festivities’ but specific training on trans-racial care would also prove beneficial. One development manager recently employed with the Agency, has a passion for and a particular expertise in this area and has presented her ideas to the management team. This work now needs to be given priority to ensure the Agency’s own objectives are met, namely “to include people from all backgrounds in order to reflect the demographic makeup of all regions” and “to ensure the cultural needs of each child will be met”. Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 16 Since the last inspection a second development manager has also been

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EVIDENCE:

appointed with specialist knowledge of learning disabilities and she is clearly proving to be an asset.

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EVIDENCE:

Fostering Solutions actively promotes appropriate educational opportunities for children and young people. Feedback from their questionnaires confirmed that carers help them with their school/college work by, for example, “encouraging me to go to school”, “taking me to the library” and “ lots of help with my homework”.

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EVIDENCE:

100% of the children and young people of school age placed with Fostering Solutions carers in the North West are in school. All those visited as part of this inspection process are doing really well in School and College, which is an excellent outcome. Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 17

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The intended outcomes these Standards are:

• The fostering service promotes contact arrangements for the child or young person. (NMS 10) • The fostering service promotes consultation.(NMS 11)

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The Commission considers Standards 10 and 11 the key standards to

be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 10 and 11

The arrangements in place to promote contact are very good.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 10 and 11

There are systems in place to actively encourage consultation but this is a recognised area for continual development.

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EVIDENCE:

Fostering Solutions provides financial support to carers to promote contact up to 100 miles a month. The carers visited all included in their diaries any observed change in behaviours following contact visits in line with Standard 10.9. Answers to the question on the carers questionnaire, “please describe what you do to help foster children maintain contact with their family” included: “I travel 66 miles once a week to ensure contact takes place”, “I maintain contact with his siblings by travelling circa 80 miles every six weeks” “we transport children from Liverpool to Manchester every Sunday “, “transport child to contact with mother, grandmother, aunt and uncle”. “I make sure she has weekly contact with her brothers and uncle. The telephone is available for her to ring anytime” “I supply birthday and Christmas cards and presents” “inviting family members to visit my home”.

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EVIDENCE:

Since the last inspection, supervising social workers are expected to provide documentary evidence of consultation with children and young people during their monthly visits. As recommended, a new pro forma has also been introduced as part of the Foster Carer Annual Review process, to ascertain the views of all the young people placed in that period. Other opportunities include children’s forums, statutory reviews, the annual road show where young people can meet the managers and contributing to the quarterly newsletters. Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 18 Nine out of the 13 young people who returned a questionnaire confirmed that they were asked by the fostering service about their opinions about their carers and 7 said they had been asked how the fostering service could be made better. One suggestion was “make parties for us to meet people so we

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EVIDENCE:

know we are not the only ones”. 8 young people who returned questionnaires ticked the box “yes, they often ask me”, to the question “do your foster carers ask you for your opinions and ideas? ” They gave examples of, “are you happy?”, “about how long I want to be with my carers”, “where should we go on holiday”, “food and clothes”, “how I’m feeling”, “what do you think about it here”, “do I need help”, “do I want to chat”, “do I want to go places” and “what I think of Social Services”.

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EVIDENCE:

There were also asked, “can you tell us about something that was changed because of what you said?” Replies included : “we don’t buy chicken nuggets or meat balls anymore” “I am now here until I am eighteen” “I get different clothes” “seeing my dad” “I’m now allowed to pick my own clothes” and “contact with family”.

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EVIDENCE:

11 out of the 13 young people who returned questionnaires confirmed in writing that they knew how to complain if they ever needed to and all the carers knew the process for complaining on their behalf. One young woman visited told the inspector “never made a complaint, never needed to ….I have a say in everything me. I’m very opinionated”. One social worker who returned a questionnaire wrote, “one young man is not afraid to speak his mind and has certainly complained about previous carers, yet he has consistently said he is happy in placement and wants to stay”. Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 19

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The intended outcomes 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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The Commission considers Standards 29 the key standard to be

inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 29

The arrangements to ensure appropriate and prompt payment to carers are satisfactory.

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EVIDENCE:

There is a specific section in the handbook on allowances and detailed in individual agreements. Allowances are reviewed “at least” annually. One carer particularly highlighted how impressed she was with the prompt and regular payments which she had not experienced in her previous employment.

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EVIDENCE:

There has been some confusion recently in respect to holiday pay due to different local authority decisions so one of the Directors is visiting carers support groups to clarify the matter. Any holidays carers choose to go on are to be paid out of their allowances. Their contracts do include 14 days respite but they can opt not to have this and to be given the equivalent payment in two lump sums over the year dependent on the length of their placement(s).

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EVIDENCE:

If holidays were already booked prior to placement Fostering Solutions will help with the cost to ensure the child can go with them. They will also provide interest free loans to carers and realistic time to re-pay in particular circumstances.

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EVIDENCE:

Carers also enquired about the reasoning behind the reduced payment for sibling groups so the Director also agreed to clarify this in the support groups. There is a reduction for three plus which takes into account the potential for the same contact arrangements, fewer reviews/meetings to attend, visits from only one social worker and accepting shared bedrooms. Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 20

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The intended outcomes 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 cares are provided with supervision and support.(NMS 22) • Foster carers are appropriately trained.(NMS 23)

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The intended outcomes these Standards are:

• Case records for children are comprehensive.(NMS 24) • The administrative records are maintained as required.(NMS 25) • The premises used as offices by the fostering service are suitable for the purpose.(NMS 26) • The fostering service is financially viable. (NMS 27) • The fostering service has robust financial processes. (NMS 28) • Local Authority fostering services recognise the contribution made by family and friends as carers.(NMS 32)

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

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

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 17, 19, 21, 22,

Fostering Solutions is a competent employer. The management team are all suitably qualified, experienced and child focussed.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 17, 19, 21, 22,

Robust systems are in place to ensure a high quality service is delivered. This service gives a high priority to staff and carer development and continues to offer a good range of training opportunities. Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 21 Improvements need to be made to maintaining case records and diaries.

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EVIDENCE:

Many of the carers who returned questionnaires said one of the best things about the fostering service was the training they were offered. One wrote “the training I have received has helped me address many of the issues I have encountered.”

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EVIDENCE:

The 13 carers who returned questionnaire have between them attended an impressive array of courses as follows; Choosing to foster, child protection, recognising sexual abuse, disclosures, child development, creative play, educational needs of children, education-the reluctant learner, first aid, health and safety, hygiene, attachment and bonding, talking your way out of trouble, handling lying and stealing, coping with the festive season, valuing heritage, self esteem and confidence building, drug awareness, record keeping, taxation issues and NVQ level 3.

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EVIDENCE:

One identified area would appreciate more local training which is being considered. Another group now have a local venue for their courses and a different training provider. It was confirmed in writing that , “this has led to a much better service”.

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EVIDENCE:

Training and development needs of carers are discussed in detail at annual reviews and with supervising social workers during monthly visits. Staff needs are addressed through annual appraisals and monthly supervision sessions. Participants are asked to complete evaluation sheets at the end of every course.

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EVIDENCE:

The Inspectors observed a training session for prospective carers which considered separation, attachment and loss, challenging/ difficult behaviours and safe caring. The trainer was competent and knowledgeable and used a good variety of methods to provoke meaningful debate. A video shown did touch on trans racial placements but this was not explored in the discussion which followed.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster care agreements were seen and found to meet regulatory requirements.

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EVIDENCE:

Each approved foster carer is supervised by a named supervising social worker. Records should be kept up to date of these monthly visits in line with Standard 22.6, but there were several missing on some of the files examined. There has been a mixed response to the new paperwork and consequently this is being formally reviewed. Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 22 Without exception, carers interviewed were highly satisfied with the support, knowledge, skills and responsiveness of their supervising social workers. Comments on the questionnaires included: “my supervising social worker is always available to take my calls. She gives advice on areas that I have little knowledge and supports me in meetings with social workers” “if there is anything I am unsure of, they always find the time to help me” “as a single carer at times a second opinion is necessary and I never feel as

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EVIDENCE:

though I am asking questions that are not relevant” “I can contact someone day or night” “I think they do a fantastic job. Very professional. An excellent service to us and the children we look after”.

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EVIDENCE:

In line with Standard 25, separate records are kept on staff, carers, children, complaints and allegations. Within the office, confidential records are stored securely at all times. The Registered Manager has the responsibility to monitor the quality of all records. There is a written policy on the retention and access to case files.

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EVIDENCE:

On the children’s files examined there was no ‘looked after’ documentation on one file, despite evidence of repeated requests to the placing authority. Similarly on another file there was no care plan or review despite a letter being sent to the social worker in January. On another there was a photocopy of the care plan but it couldn’t be read. On two files the care plan did not reflect the current arrangements. On another file the young person had not signed the placement plan. On another placement plan part 1 had not been signed by the carer and placement plan part 2 had not been signed by anyone!

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EVIDENCE:

At the last inspection, interviews with some carers highlighted the need for clarity in respect of maintaining diaries. To this end an insert has been produced clarifying who the diaries are for, what should be recorded, who should have access to them and where they go following the end of placement. Some diaries are still not being consistently maintained.

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EVIDENCE:

The data on annual reviews showed that they are not all taking place “at intervals of not more than a year” which is a legal requirement (Regulation 29)

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EVIDENCE:

Since the last inspection, Fostering Solutions have moved into purpose built accommodation which is spacious and tastefully furnished throughout. Realistically it has taken some time for people to adapt as the previous office was small but the majority of the comments from staff were very positive.

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EVIDENCE:

The only genuine concern raised by staff, panel members and carers on training was that the building gets too hot. This was accepted by the owners and very soon after this inspection air conditioning was fitted. Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 23

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services have been met and uses the following scale.

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

4 Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

BEING HEALTHY ACHIEVING ECONOMIC Standard No Score WELLBEING 12 3 Standard No Score 14 x STAYING SAFE 29 3 Standard No Score 3 2 MANAGEMENT 6 3 Standard No Score 8 2 1 x 9 3 2 x 15 3 4 x 30 3 5 x 16 x ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING 17 3 Standard No Score 18 x 7 3 19 3 13 4 20 x 31 x 21 3 22 2 MAKING A POSITIVE 23 3 CONTRIBUTION 24 x Standard No Score 25 2 10 4 26 4 11 3 27 x 28 x Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 24 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 1. 25 29 Reviews must take place at the required frequencies. 1/9/05

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

2. 3 2O Schedule There must be on file, on one identified panel member, a satisfactory reference from his current employer 2/8/05

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

3. 22 and 25 17 and 30 Records including looking after documentation, monthly supervisory visits and diaries must be kept up to date 2/8/05 Ongoing

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

4. 8 17 Some carers identified require training in respect to specific trans racial placements. 2/11/05

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

5. 7 11 Young people's wishes must be sought and due consideration must be given to their religious persuasion, racial origin and cultural and linguistic background 2/8/05

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

6. 25 17 The Fostering Service must ensure that the carer is given all the necessary information about the child to enable him/ her to provide the most appropriate care. 2/8/05 Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 25

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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. 7 and 8 Fostering Solutions should continue to actively recruit carers from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds and religions to enable young people to have more choice of placement and to ensure appropriate matches. 2. 23 The service should consider offerring more courses in identified local areas. 3. 11 This agency should continue to seek every opportunity to consult with the young people in placements. 4. Fostering Solutions Limited F56 F06 S33219 Fostering Solutions V222096 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 26

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

Turton Suite, Paragon Business Park Chorley New Road Horwich Bolton BL6 6HG

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI

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