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- Inspectorssingle source
Helen Norry
- Postcode verified
OX9 0AZ
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Strengths
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- The Post Adoption Support team provides an excellent service to those who require adoption support services through clear assessments of need, support and counselling facilities. p.13
- Quality in this outcome area is excellent p.12
- Staff at all levels in the project and in all roles demonstrated a high level of motivation to deliver an excellent service. p.15
- The supportive and calming atmosphere within the office was almost tangible and the observation was shared with managers at the feedback, an atmosphere that would enable service users to feel safe and confident in those providing the support. p.21
- The adoption support services are delivered by sensitive and committed social workers who are skilled at assessing the support needs of service users and seeking positive outcomes. p.15
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Next steps
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- This is the first inspection of The Children’s Society since its registration as an Adoption Support Agency in August 2006. p.9
- The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. p.32
- Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action p.32
- These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. p.32
- Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations p.32
- North West Regional Office 11th Floor West Point 501 Chester Road Old Trafford M16 9HU p.33
- National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. p.33
- Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI p.33
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- 4,599
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Full report text
The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 1 ADOPTION SUPPORT AGENCIES
p.1
OX9 0AZ
Lead Inspector Helen Norry Announced Inspection 22nd March 2007 10:00 am The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 2 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to:
p.1
OX9 0AZ
• 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
p.2
OX9 0AZ
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 The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 3 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this 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
p.2
OX9 0AZ
without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 4
p.3
Name of service
Address P O Box 178 Tiddington Thame Oxfordshire OX9 0AZ
p.4
manager (if applicable)
Type of registration Adoption Support Agency The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 5
p.4
Conditions of registration:
2. In addition they offer intermediary services
p.5
Brief Description of the Service:
The Children’s Society was founded by Edward Rudolf in the parish of St Ann’s Vauxhall, London. The society has provided care for children who have been unable to live with their families since its formation in 1881. The aim of the society is to bring social justice to children and young people and they do this by providing a range of projects through out the country to help and support them.
p.5
Brief Description of the Service:
The Post Adoption and Care Project which is the focus of this inspection is one such project. It provides information, access to records, advice, tracing, counselling and intermediary services to adults adopted through The Children’s Society or who were once in the care of The Society between 1936 and 2005 and to their birth and adoptive relatives. The Society also works with former child migrants and their descendants.
p.5
Brief Description of the Service:
The Project shares information with adopted or ex-care adults from The Children’s Society’s records relating to their childhood. These records provide important information relating to their family of origin and their early childhood experiences. The Children’s Society have approximately 130.000 records for people who are either adopted or were once in their care This Society provides a local, national and international service.
p.5
Brief Description of the Service:
The society provides an intermediary service to facilitate contact between adopted and ex-care adults and their relatives. This contact may be initiated by either party and support is provided through contact and possible reunions.
p.5
Brief Description of the Service:
The Society provide forums for service users to meet and share experiences with others through an annual “Making Connections” day for anyone affected by adoption and through BPAC meetings for people of black or mixed parentage.
p.5
Brief Description of the Service:
The Children’s Society has a very prominent role in carrying our research into The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 6 adoption today and seeks to influence policy, practice and legislation by campaigning and giving a voice to the experience and views of their service users. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 7
p.5
SUMMARY
This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.
p.7
SUMMARY
This inspection was planned with the full cooperation of The Children’s Society, the Regional Director for the Southern Region Mr David Smith, the Assistant Director and the registered responsible individual for the service Lara Patel and the Programme Manager for the service Deborah Harewood.
p.7
SUMMARY
The inspection was accommodated at very short notice by the agency. The manager and the staff team prepared well in the time given and every courtesy and assistance was given to the inspector to ensure the inspection went smoothly. This was greatly appreciated and enabled the inspection to be completed prior to CSCI children’s work being transferred to Ofsted.
p.7
SUMMARY
Prior to the inspection the inspector met the Regional Director for the Southern region to discuss the inspection process and the information that would be required during the field work visit in order to make an overall assessment of the service being delivered.
p.7
SUMMARY
The inspection was undertaken by one inspector and took place over two days. The inspector read a range of policies and procedures and other information pertaining to the work of the agency.
p.7
SUMMARY
The Registered Manager and Responsible Individual Lara Patel was interviewed.
p.7
SUMMARY
The Programme Manager Deborah Harewood gave an overview of the service and the day to day management of the agency on the first day of the inspection visit. Five staff working in the agency were interviewed and gave a full account of their day to day work with service users and the work the agency has previously been involved in, including its influence on changing policy and legislation with regard to adoption. Two service users were interviewed and six case files read Staff employment files were inspected. A tour of the building included the arrangements to safeguard and store records in accordance with the legislation. Administration staff were available throughout the inspection visit. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 8
p.7
What the service does well:
The Project provides a comprehensive high quality post adoption support service to people who were adopted through The Children’s Society.
p.8
What the service does well:
The organisational structure provides a framework within which the project can operate and provides for effective control and monitoring, lines of accountability and communication are clear.
p.8
What the service does well:
The project has a statement of purpose and associated policies and procedures which provides an infrastructure for staff to operate within.
p.8
What the service does well:
The management of the service, the social work staff and the administration team demonstrated an understanding of their work and commitment to the aims of the project.
p.8
What the service does well:
The arrangements for safeguarding service users are robust.
p.8
What the service does well:
The “Office Manual” sets out the aims and objectives of the project and the standards the staff will adhere to in the pursuit of meeting the needs of service users.
p.8
What the service does well:
The project provides a duty system from 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday to ensure service users have access to information and support.
p.8
What the service does well:
Training and Supervision is available to all the staff to ensure they are supported in their work.
p.8
What the service does well:
The project are looking to develop their services for people previously in the care of the society, raising awareness developing networks and establishing policy and practices to support adults who have experienced the care system.
p.8
What the service does well:
Feedback from service users confirm they have been very satisfied with the service they have received from the project.
p.8
What the service does well:
The Practitioners Pack contains a statement of purpose , information on the project, guidance for approaching reunions, guidelines for sharing information and records, guidance on registering a veto (absolute or qualified) and other templates that assist the workers in carrying out their duties effectively. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 9
p.8
What has improved since the last inspection?
This is the first inspection of The Children’s Society since its registration as an Adoption Support Agency in August 2006.
p.9
What they could do better:
The standard memo from HR should include the level of the CRB and the outcome and whether it is satisfactory or not.
p.9
What they could do better:
The Children’s Society should look to re-establish itself in the field of research so that valuable information can be shared with other practitioners.
p.9
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. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 10
p.9
CONTENTS
Fitness to provide or manage an adoption support agency
p.10
CONTENTS
Management of the adoption support agency
p.10
CONTENTS
Employment and management of staff and volunteers
p.10
CONTENTS
Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 11
p.10
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
p.11
JUDGEMENT
This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.
p.11
JUDGEMENT
The Agency has a Statement of Purpose that accurately reflects the service it provides.
p.11
EVIDENCE:
The agency has a written statement of purpose which gives the reader a clear explanation of the services it provides.
p.11
EVIDENCE:
The project provides a service for adults who previously received a service as a child through the society.
p.11
EVIDENCE:
The statement of purpose is reviewed regularly and is ratified by the Standards Committee.
p.11
EVIDENCE:
The statement of purpose is underpinned by supporting policies and procedures used by agency staff. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 12
p.11
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.
p.12
JUDGEMENT
Quality in this outcome area is excellent
p.12
JUDGEMENT
This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Safeguarding service users welfare is of paramount concern to the agency, staff are supported in their work by clear policies and procedures and the availability of training in respect to safeguarding issues.
p.12
EVIDENCE:
Throughout this inspection the manager of the agency and the staff team were able to demonstrate an understanding of the lifelong implications of adoption.
p.12
EVIDENCE:
The Children’s Society has a Historical Investigations Manager whose responsibility it is to manage any safeguarding issues which may arise including those identified by children and adults who have been adopted and those who have spent time being looked after in the care system within The Children Society establishments .
p.12
EVIDENCE:
The staff team in the project receive mandatory training in Child and Adult protection which is provided through the agencies corporate training scheme or through external providers of specialist training.
p.12
EVIDENCE:
An induction programme is provided four times a year for all new staff to the Society and safe guarding issues are explored during this training programme to ensure all staff are equipped to deal with any issues that may arise during their contact with service users. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 13
p.12
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.
p.13
JUDGEMENT
Quality in this outcome area is excellent
p.13
JUDGEMENT
This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.
p.13
JUDGEMENT
The Post Adoption Support team provides an excellent service to those who require adoption support services through clear assessments of need, support and counselling facilities.
p.13
EVIDENCE:
The service provided is aimed at those adults adopted through The Children’s Society and to their birth and adoptive relatives. The project provide a tracing service, intermediary services, social work support and counselling
p.13
EVIDENCE:
Case records demonstrated that services are provided to meet the particular circumstances of those seeking the service.
p.13
EVIDENCE:
The approach by the staff team is very focused and carefully planned to address individual needs
p.13
EVIDENCE:
The Project seeks feedback from service users and ensures the information is used effectively to plan their future provision and where any suggested improvement is identified address this.
p.13
EVIDENCE:
Feedback questionnaire from service users were very supportive of the project and the service they had received with comments such as: The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 14 “Clear information given” “Treated sensitively” “I made several telephone calls and was always treated in a courteous and helpful manner---- I am sure the people I spoke to were busy but they always seemed to have enough time for me” “The service received from The Children’s Society was invaluable” “Excellent service –we are now two years on in to our relationship and getting on well” “I thought the counselling service I received was excellent very sensitive and aware” “We had a very happy outcome”
p.13
EVIDENCE:
Two service users agreed to speak to the inspector and were incredible happy with the counselling, support and overall service they had received from the staff team, the courtesy shown to them and “the duty of care shown to my family and relatives” One commenting that “if it had not been for the staff I doubt I would have made progress” “Any agreement we made the social worker always kept to it”
p.14
EVIDENCE:
The project arrange “Care Days” for adults lived in The Children’s Societies children’s homes this gives them an opportunity to maintain connections with the Society should they wish to.
p.14
EVIDENCE:
“Making Connections Day” is for adopted adults and families to help maintain the connections and seek support from the project if required.
p.14
EVIDENCE:
All the social work practitioners employed by the project are qualified social workers and are able to provide Birth Record Counselling as required by the legislation.
p.14
EVIDENCE:
The project have the services of a practitioner whose responsibility it is to provide a tracing service to the project staff enabling the social workers in the project to concentrated on providing the support and counselling to service users, in the full knowledge that searching for records is being undertaken by a colleague experienced in this complex and often time consuming area of work
p.14
EVIDENCE:
As a dedicated tracer she is proficient in the art of looking for and seeking out historical records and pursing all avenues as part of her search for information in an effort to achieve successful outcomes for service users The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 15
p.14
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.
p.15
JUDGEMENT
Quality in this outcome area is excellent
p.15
JUDGEMENT
This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.
p.15
JUDGEMENT
The adoption support services are delivered by sensitive and committed social workers who are skilled at assessing the support needs of service users and seeking positive outcomes.
p.15
EVIDENCE:
The manager and the social workers are suitable skilled and experienced in matters relating to adoption and have been subject to robust recruitment systems. Staff at all levels in the project and in all roles demonstrated a high level of motivation to deliver an excellent service.
p.15
EVIDENCE:
Service user’s feedback shows the project is successful in delivering a high quality service. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 16
p.15
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
p.16
The intended outcomes for Standards 5 and 6 are:
5 Skills to provide or manage 6 Suitability to carry on or manage
p.16
JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):
Quality in this outcome area is excellent
p.16
JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):
This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.
p.16
JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):
The managers of the project are skilled and experienced in adoption related matters and demonstrated an awareness of the issues and the lifelong implications of adoption and how they can affect service users.
p.16
EVIDENCE:
The project was registered in August 2006 and met the registration requirements of The Adoption Support Agency Regulations 2005. The process demonstrated the Projects fitness to provide an adoption support service.
p.16
EVIDENCE:
Lara Patel is the Responsible Individual and the Registered Manager for The Children’s Society Post Adoption and Care Project. She is the Assistant Director for the Southern Region Children and Young People Division. Lara Patel has considerable experience in Children and Families work. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 17 She holds a BA Honours in Psychology and Art History, DipSW and MSc in Social Studies, Mental Health Social Work Award, Post Qualifying Award in Social Work and a Post graduate in Certificate in Management
p.16
EVIDENCE:
Deborah Harewood is the project manager, she is a qualified social worker and skilled in Children and Families work. She provides the day to day management of the project and supervises the staff team as part of her duties. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 18
p.17
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.
p.18
The intended outcomes for Standards 7 and 8 are:
7 Managing effectively and efficiently 8 Monitoring and controlling
p.18
JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):
Quality in this outcome area is excellent
p.18
JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):
This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.
p.18
JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):
The managers of the project have developed effective monitoring and managements systems to ensure the agency delivers a good standard of service to its service users.
p.18
EVIDENCE:
The project is effectively managed and its service is provided in accordance with its statement of purpose. The organisation has a clear structure in place and the projects lines of responsibility and accountability are well established.
p.18
EVIDENCE:
The Children’s Society senior management team includes the Chief Executive the 3 Regional Directors, the Director of Cooperate Services, Director for Fund Raising and the Director for Strategy. The senior management team report directly to the trustees of the agency. This clear line management structure is replicated throughout the organisation and the post adoption project.
p.18
EVIDENCE:
The Southern Regional Director Mr Dave Smith directly line managers the Registered Responsible Individual Assistant Director Lara Patel every 4 to 6 weeks. She is responsible for the project and the line management of the project manager Deborah Harwood. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 19 Lara Patel and Deborah Harwood meet regularly to look at the day to day management of the project and to discuss practice issues. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 20
p.18
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.
p.20
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
p.20
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)
p.20
JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):
This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.
p.20
JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):
Those employed and working for the purpose of the project are managed well and in a way as to ensure that the best outcomes for service users is achieved.
p.20
EVIDENCE:
The enthusiasm of the managers, the social work staff and the administration team was obvious. In discussions they were eager to share information about The Children’s Society commitment to service users, of the different projects established to help children and young people and off the societies commitment to fulfilling their responsibility to past service users. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 21 The personnel files of the staff working at the project contained appropriate information. The CRB in one file did not indicate the level, it must be enhanced. The standard memo from HR should include the level of the CRB and the outcome and whether it is satisfactory or not.
p.20
EVIDENCE:
The staff saw the organisation as a fair and responsible employee, and they felt valued by managers and saw the society as an organisation working within an equal opportunities framework.
p.21
EVIDENCE:
There is a formal supervision structured in place for all the staff employed in the project and records indicate each staff member has a regular one to one with their line manager, where professional, developmental and practice issues are explored.
p.21
EVIDENCE:
The staff team spoke of an informal supervision process amongst themselves and with managers where discussion would take place on an almost daily basis about practice issues or specific pieces of work.
p.21
EVIDENCE:
A monthly team meeting is attended by all the staff working in the project including manager and administration staff.
p.21
EVIDENCE:
The social work practitioners meet every 6 weeks to explore practice issues current developments in adoption and they used these meeting to develop their knowledge on the new adoption legislation as well as attending formally adoption training provided through DfES.
p.21
EVIDENCE:
The Children Society is a member of the South East Adoption Network, the group meets on a quarterly basis; it is an opportunity to also access specialist adoption training through the group. There is a cooperate training which employees are informed of by emails or on the intranet.
p.21
EVIDENCE:
One practitioner said “fantastic amount of training since I have been here, been great”
p.21
EVIDENCE:
The team spoke of being experienced in working in crisis situations, an acknowledgment that service users can at times often be in distress when they approach the service or at the point when sensitive information is shared with them. The staff valued management support and support from colleagues who understood their work.
p.21
EVIDENCE:
The supportive and calming atmosphere within the office was almost tangible and the observation was shared with managers at the feedback, an atmosphere that would enable service users to feel safe and confident in those providing the support. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 22 The Children’s Society provide a counselling service for its employees giving them an opportunity to share any issues they may have either personal or relating to the work they undertake.
p.21
EVIDENCE:
It was noted with some disappointment by the whole of the staff team that they had over a number of years lost their role as a leader in research and development of adoption issues. They hoped now that the project was enjoying a period of stability under its new management structure they would be able to explore opportunities to once again be at the forefront of policy making.
p.22
EVIDENCE:
The Children’s Society and the project are naturally very proud of the work they have done, the books they have had published from the outcomes of their research, which provides valuable information for practitioners in the field of adoption and service users considering searching for relatives. They also spoke with immense pride of the “Overseas Migrant Service” supporting adults and relatives of child migrants. The Society funded two staff to Canada to provide information and support to adults seeking information about their families. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 23
p.22
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.
p.23
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)
p.23
JUDGEMENT
Quality in this outcome area is (excellent, good, adequate or poor)
p.23
JUDGEMENT
This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.
p.23
EVIDENCE:
This section is not applicable to this project. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 24
p.23
The intended outcome for Standard 16 is:
Complaints and representations are resolved quickly and handled in a sensitive, thorough and non-biased manner.
p.24
JUDGEMENT
Quality in this outcome area is excellent
p.24
JUDGEMENT
This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.
p.24
JUDGEMENT
The staff are responsive to any concerns and complaints made about the project.
p.24
EVIDENCE:
There is a complaints officer and procedures are in place to deal with any complaints which relates to a specific project run by The Children’s Society. All complaints are initially redirected back to the individual projects to seek an informal resolution before a more formal process is instigated if the complainant remains unhappy with the outcomes of the informal process.
p.24
EVIDENCE:
There have been no complaints made against the work of the project in recent months.
p.24
EVIDENCE:
The projects send “Feedback Questionnaires” to all those who had sought a service from the post adoption support project to ascertain their views on the timeliness and quality of the service they have received. The feedback forms were very complimentary and supportive of the sensitive work carried out by the staff team. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 25
p.24
The intended outcomes for Standards 17 to 21 are:
All appropriate records are securely maintained, retained and are accessible when required.
p.25
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
p.25
JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):
This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.
p.25
JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):
The case files maintained by the project were of a high standard and clearly reflected the work being undertaken with serviced users.
p.25
EVIDENCE:
The records maintained by the project were of a high standard. Case recording was comprehensive and files were very well organised.
p.25
EVIDENCE:
The storage of files in the main office was good with lockage secure cabinets being used throughout the building.
p.25
EVIDENCE:
Working files on service users currently using the service were well organised and contained the initial referral, and information to establish if the person had been adopted through The Children’s Society and establishing any records that might be held on the adoption. Two project staff have responsibility for looking at new referrals and if the project hold any records. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 26 Initial Letters to service users indicate if the project holds any records, the options available for the service users and if a fee is to be charged for any of the services provided. If the service users have not been adopted through the society they are signposted on to more appropriate services.
p.25
EVIDENCE:
Face to face counselling session are offered either in the office or in the service users own home provided a risk assessment has been undertaken. It is usually a service that is only offered for elderly service users or those who may have difficult accessing the office.
p.26
EVIDENCE:
The personnel files of the staff working at the project contained appropriate information. The CRB in one file did not indicate the level, it must be enhanced. The standard memo from HR should include the level of the CRB and the outcome and whether it is satisfactory or not.
p.26
EVIDENCE:
The Practitioners Pack contains a statement of purpose , information on the project, guidance for approaching reunions, guidelines for sharing information and records, guidance on registering a veto (absolute or qualified) and other templates that assist the workers in carrying out their duties effectively. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 27
p.26
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.
p.27
JUDGEMENT
This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.
p.27
JUDGEMENT
The premises are secure and the comfortable interview room provided a good facility for use during private and confidential interviews with service users.
p.27
EVIDENCE:
The project operates from an office in Peckham and shares the building with two other Children’s’ Society projects.
p.27
EVIDENCE:
During a tour of the premises the security of the building was clearly evident.
p.27
EVIDENCE:
The entrance to the building is secure and a telephone link to staff enable those requiring access to the building to be identified before entry is agreed. Surveillance cameras are also visible outside the building. Wrought Iron bars at the windows provide additional security to the building.
p.27
EVIDENCE:
Historical records are secured in a strong room and in double locked cabinets, access is limited. There is appropriate protection against the risk of fire and the room is kept at an appropriate temperature to safe guard aging records.
p.27
EVIDENCE:
The project staff team have access to IT systems that are password protected. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 28 The comfortable interview room provided a good facility for use during private and confidential interviews with service users. It has recently been re- furbished with money donated by one service user who had had caused to use the facilities provided by the project The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 29
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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):
The Standards Committee and the Trustees of the organisation ensure the project is financially viable.
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EVIDENCE:
The financial accounts of the organisation are subject to external financial audit. The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 30
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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 2 10 4 SAFEGUARDING AND PROMOTING WELFARE 11 3 Standard No Score 12 4 2 4 13 3 14 4 USER FOCUSED SERVICES Standard No Score INDIVIDUAL PRACTITIONERS 3 4 Standard No Score 15 n/a SERVICE DELIVERY Standard No Score 4 4 COMPLAINTS AND REPRESENTATIONS Standard No Score 16 4 FITNESS TO PROVIDE OR MANAGE AN ADOPTION SUPPORT AGENCY RECORDS Standard No Score Standard No Score 5 4 17 4 6 4 18 4 19 4 20 4 MANAGEMENT OF THE ADOPTION SUPPORT AGENCY 21 2 Standard No Score 7 4 8 4 The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 31
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Continued
FITNESS OF PREMISES FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS Standard No Score Standard No Score 22 3 23 3 24 3 The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 32 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? N/A
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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 AD9 AD21 The level of the CRB and the outcome of a CRB must be clearly recorded in personnel files The Children`s Society Document2 Version 5.2 Page 33
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Commission for Social Care Inspection
North West Regional Office 11th Floor West Point 501 Chester Road Old Trafford M16 9HU
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Commission for Social Care Inspection
National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI
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