Setting

X10029.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 FOSTERING SERVICE

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Lead Inspector Sue Young Announced Inspection 31st October 2006 09:30 Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 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 Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Fostering Services. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

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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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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. Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4

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Name of service

Address Penny Hall The Haysfield Spring Lane North Malvern Worcestershire WR14 1GF Telephone number 01684 892380

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Name of service

Email address enquiries@fostercarecooperative.co.uk

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manager (if applicable)

Anne Mary Bard Richard James Victor Hamilton Type of registration Fostering Agencies Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5

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Conditions of registration:

Date of last inspection 14th December 2005

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Brief Description of the Service:

The Foster Care Cooperative Ltd. is a registered Cooperative with the National Clearing House and Representative body for Cooperatives in the UK as well as being a limited company registered with Companies House.The Executive Director, Laurie Gregory, is a qualified social worker who has had over 30 years experience in the field of childcare including experience as a senior manager of childcare in a local authority Social Services Department. The Foster Care Cooperative has 2 main branches, one in Cardiff which for registration and inspection purposes is the remit of the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales, and one in Malvern, Worcestershire. The head office for administration purposes is also established in the Malvern office. The Malvern Branch supports carers spread across the country, and can provide placements in Cheshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Somerset, Sussex, Bristol, Wirral and

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Brief Description of the Service:

Avon. The agency employ social work staff, to supervise and support these foster carers, who are based in the area where the foster carers live. The company has 2 directors of childcare, both of whom are registered with the Commission. They are based at the Malvern office and have direct line management responsibility for the social work staff providing the service to foster carers in all the counties mentioned above. The stated purpose of the Foster Care Cooperative Ltd. foster care agency is 'to provide a child care service to Local Authorities which is of the highest quality, and with integrity.' Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6

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SUMMARY

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

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SUMMARY

This summary has been written in the following style to make it easy for children and young people to read.

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SUMMARY

Two inspectors visited Foster Care co-operative 31 st October and 15 th November 2006. So that the inspectors could see how well the agency was doing the inspectors; • Visited 3 foster carers; this meant the inspectors could talk to the young people who lived with those foster carers. • An inspector met with staff from the agency, and the managers • 19 young people returned questionnaires telling inspector what they felt about living with foster carers. • 4 social workers and local authorities responsible for young people placed with foster carers returned questionnaires telling inspectors how well they felt the young people were being looked after. • 20 foster carers returned questionnaires telling inspectors about how much support they received from the fostering team to help them look after the young people placed with them. • Looked at files and records

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SUMMARY

If you want to get a full picture of what is like to live with foster carers with Foster Care Co-operative you might like to read the full report. You can get this from the address on the front page.

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What the service does well:

These are some of the good things that the inspector found out about the agency.

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What the service does well:

• Foster carer’s help young people with their education. The agency has employed someone to make sure all children and young people have the right sort of support and help in school they need. Foster carers talk regularly with teachers and give young people help and support with schoolwork when needed. • Foster carers help young people to be healthy. They make sure all children and young people can see a doctor, dentist and optician whenever they need. • The foster carer’s homes where young people live were warm and comfortable. • Foster carers are visited regularly by social workers from Foster Care Co- operative and given plenty of support and help when they need it. • Foster Care Co-operative make sure children and young people are matched and placed with the right kind of foster carers. Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 • Children and young people said they felt safe and well cared for by their

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What the service does well:

foster carers. Foster carers have developed some good safe caring plans so young people know how to keep themselves safe in the foster carers home. These are some comments received from young people “I am in a safe loving environment where I am considered as part of the family” “ I live with people who love and care for and I can trust them all”, ”they teat me as part of the family” • Foster carers help sure young people can do all sorts of hobbies and activities. • Foster carers take you to see your family and friends when this is agreed with your social worker. • Foster Care Co-operative check and make sure they have foster carers who are the right sort of people to look after children and young people.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

• The agency has employed someone to help make sure children and young people get the right health care when they need it and to support carers to help young people lead a healthy life style. • Foster carers now record all medicines and health appointments given to children and young people placed with them. • The agency has employed someone to make sure children are placed with foster carers who can look after them correctly and meet all their needs.

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What they could do better:

• Social workers, foster carers and fostering social workers must write down at the beginning of each placement, including respite placements, how they will all help care for the young people living with foster carers so that they all know what needs doing. • Foster care Co-operative must make sure that all the documents and paperwork are in place for all new people working for the agency to ensure they are safe to work with young people. • The agency has to look at how well a foster carer is doing their job every year. • Foster carers have to make sure they record important things that happen to children and young people in their care. This is important so young people when they leave care are able to find out everything that has happened to them in their childhood. Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this

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What they could do better:

inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9

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CONTENTS

Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10

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The intended outcome for this Standard is:

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

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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 the outcome for Standard:

Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The service is active in promoting the health and development of the children and young people who are placed with foster carers.

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EVIDENCE:

All the foster carers the inspectors visited were ensuring that the young people placed with them were able to access professional health care services to meet their individual needs. Where young people needed specialist services, there was evidence on their file and from discussions with foster carers young people were being supported to access these services.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency has developed a matching form and foster placement agreement, which addresses the health needs of young people referred and includes medical consent. Evidence was seen on young people’s files that background health information was being actively pursued from placing authorities.

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EVIDENCE:

A health status form has been developed by the agency, which is completed at the point of placement and is placed on the child’s file and given to the carer. A health care plan is drawn from the initial health assessment, which allows for monitoring of health conditions and ensures all health interventions; outcomes and medication given to children and young people are clearly evidenced on files in a written health record. Foster carers are expected to complete a form detailing all medication given to young people.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency has appointed a Health Advisor who is a registered nurse .She monitors new placements and files of children where there are medical issues. The Health Advisor has also sought information to pass on to carers about Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 particular instances involving young people and is available to talk with carers handling children with health needs or complex medication.

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EVIDENCE:

Evidence could be seen of the agency’s social workers working with carers in monthly supervision sessions, looking at current health plans of children and young people and assessing the possible need for intervention. Young people’s health needs were recorded in supervision sessions with carers and in monthly reports, completed by carers.

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EVIDENCE:

All carers receive training on first aid and health and hygiene issues. Foster carer’s health is assessed through the recruitment process for the potential impact on the outcomes for children who may be placed with them. Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

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

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The Commission considers Standards 3, 6, 8, 9, 15 and 30 the key

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

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

Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The agency ensures the wellbeing and safety of children and young people in their care. Children are well matched and carers appropriately assessed.

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EVIDENCE:

The foster homes visited were warm, adequately furnished and comfortable.

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EVIDENCE:

Records indicated that unannounced visits and health and safety checks were carried out on an annual basis.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency has developed its own foster placement agreement (FPA) in line with Schedule 6. Copies of the foster placement agreements were seen on files. In many cases these were not signed or dated which meant the agency was unable to demonstrate whether these were being completed at the point of placement. FPA’s were not being completed for respite placements. FPA’s need to be completed and signed in respect of every child and young person placed prior to, or at the point of placement, including respite placements. Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 The agency has a placements co-coordinator who is the first point of contact for all referrals and carries out all matching of children to carers. A matching pro-forma for all placements has been developed, which enables appropriate matches of children and young people’s needs to carers’ skills. Some good

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EVIDENCE:

evidence of matching was seen and carers confirmed that appropriate matches were made in the majority of cases. The agency has developed consistency with regard to matching processes and documentation across the organisation.

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EVIDENCE:

A system has been developed to record foster carers car insurances and MOT’s to ensure carer’s transport is safe and appropriate to children’s needs.

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EVIDENCE:

Evidence was seen of safe caring guidelines specific to each foster household being produced alongside the BAAF Form F and sent to placing authorities on referral. Foster carers have a safe caring family policy, completed during the assessment process. When a child is placed a risk assessment is undertaken which compliments the safe caring policy.

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EVIDENCE:

Policies are in place with regard to child protection and anti- bullying. Foster carers are given training in child protection and safe caring through BAAF. Training in the recognition of anti bullying has begun around the regions.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency has a strong and competent social work team with good experience and background in children and families and family placements.

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EVIDENCE:

Staff recruitment procedures were checked and the personnel files of all new staff since the last inspection files were read. Since the last inspection the agency has only recruited the services of casual and sessional staff. The files of these personnel did not fully comply with Schedule 1 of the fostering regulations, as full staff vetting requirements had not been carried out. On discussions with the agency’s directors it was demonstrated that whilst qualifications and id’s were not in evidence on file, these had been checked. On two files fresh Criminal Bureau checks (CRB’s) had not been taken up and copies of recent CRB’s from previous employers had been used. Although the agency’s directors previously knew these people and all attempts had been made to verify these checks, all those working for the agency must have full staff vetting checks and all requirements of Schedule 1 regulation 20 must be

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EVIDENCE:

Criminal Bureau checks (CRB’s) are carried out on all foster carers including all adult members of the foster carer’s home. Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 The agency takes every foster carer’s first review and every subsequent third review to panel and any variations of terms of approval and following allegations etc. All other reviews are conducted outside of panel. The outcome of these reviews should be given to panel to help inform the quality assurance function.

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EVIDENCE:

The fostering panel was observed during the course of the inspection and minutes of last three meetings were read. The agency has developed the quality assurance function of the fostering panel in order to monitor and review assessments, provide feedback and to identify problems and ensure a consistency in approach across the agency. Panel members were seen to be scrutinising assessments and highlighting aspects that could be improved, although assessment reports and health and safety checks were presented to panel without being signed or dated. Panel has undergone training and clear written policies and procedures are in place. Evaluation sheets are collated from carers; evaluation of this feedback should take place. The agency currently operates a joint panel with its office in Wales. Minutes evidenced that on two occasions the panel was not quorate as there was no social worker from Wales on the panel.

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EVIDENCE:

. Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

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

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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 the following standard(s):

7,13 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The agency demonstrates a positive attitude to diversity and education is given a high priority by the agency and is supported and promoted by foster carers.

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EVIDENCE:

Files and discussions with social workers and foster carers evidenced the active role the agency takes in ensuring that each young person’s identity and diversity is supported. During the inspection the agency was able to demonstrate how it promotes the needs of children and young people when placed in trans racial placements. Examples were seen of appropriate matching and of a young asylum seeker’s needs being promoted by the agency and foster carer finding a local mosque and seeking advice regarding dietary needs.

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EVIDENCE:

It was evident that the issue of diversity is considered during the referral and matching process and during placement. The issue of diversity is also evidenced in Form F’s completed during foster carers assessment process.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency provides training to foster carers to ensure carers provide care, which respects and promotes young people’s identity and ethnicity. Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Foster carers are clear about the importance of building self confidence. Many good examples were evident such as the placement of a mother and her baby with carers working closely with the mother and local authority.

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EVIDENCE:

Young people were involved in positive activities and interests and given equal access to opportunities to develop and pursue talents and hobbies.

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EVIDENCE:

Discussion with carers and children, and young people’s files evidenced good work in ensuring positive educational outcomes for children and young people in their care.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency has employed an education liaison officer who has developed good assessment tools for the development of children’s educational needs and systems of evaluating educational achievement recording and logging academic progress, attendance, achievements, out of school activities etc and collects data and reports about educational outcomes of children so that progress can be monitored against national trends and individual targets

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EVIDENCE:

The education liaison officer also support carers and empowers them to have a ‘voice’ for the child in school and signpost carers to agencies that may help them to encourage young people to make good choices about their futures The agency source private tutors in a child’s local area as part of alternative packages and provide mentoring support in GCSE core subjects and as support in addition to mainstream schooling.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster carers describe positive relationships with school staff and regularly attend meetings at school. Where carers are looking after young people involved in criminal behaviour, they work closely with the youth offending teams and other professionals involved with the young person. School reports and personal education plans (PEP’s) are evident on children and young people’s files.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster Care Co-operative do not provide any foster placements in the circumstances covered by Standard 31, and this standard is therefore not considered to be applicable.

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EVIDENCE:

. Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

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

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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 the following standard(s):

Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The agency and foster carers actively promote contact between children and young people and their families and listen to the views and opinions of children and young people in their care. Further systems for consultation with children could be developed.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency fully support placing children as close to their originating area as possible to promote the maintaining of family and friendship ties. They have used referral statistics to target recruitment in the areas from which most children are referred.

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EVIDENCE:

Good and clear information could be seen on files, regarding contact arrangements for each young person. Carers were seen to be actively promoting contact, and in one case carers had hosted contact visits in their home. Foster carers were able to describe the procedures for contact and promoted and supported the arrangements for individual children. Where contact was complex for the young person the agency was supportive of both the carers and the young person.

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EVIDENCE:

The requirements for contact are considered at the referral and matching stage, is clarified at the start of placement and if required a written risk assessment would be requested from placing authorities. Contact with birth families and friends form part of the foster carers monthly supervision sessions and the children’s and young people’s (LAC) reviews. Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Contact forms part of the skills to foster training and training in the promotion of positive contact for children and their families has begun in the regions. This training includes promoting the recording of contact visits by the carer.

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EVIDENCE:

Children’s guides are produced and given to each child and young person. These guides differ according to age.

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EVIDENCE:

Supervising social workers meet foster children at a minimum of every two/three months and gain their views and opinions. Children and young people are consulted on an annual basis during foster carer’s reviews. Questionnaires from young people indicated that they felt listened to by their foster carers.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency’s children’s guide has a section on how to complain and who to contact if young people feel they are not being looked after properly. All young people spoken with knew how to complain if needed.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency should develop a format for regular consultation with young people and any information gained from the consultation process can then be acted upon by the agency. Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• The fostering service prepares young people for adulthood.(NMS 14) • The fostering service pays carers an allowance and agreed expenses as specified.(NMS 29)

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EVIDENCE:

Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• There is a clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and the fostering service ensures that they meet those aims and objectives.(NMS 1) • The fostering service is managed by those with the appropriate skills and experience. (NMS 2) • The fostering service is monitored and controlled as specified. (NMS 4) • The fostering service is managed effectively and efficiently.(NMS 5) • Staff are organised and managed effectively.(NMS 16) • The fostering service has an adequate number of sufficiently experienced and qualified staff.(NMS 17) • The fostering service is a fair and competent employer.(NMS 18) • There is a good quality training programme. (NMS 19) • All staff are properly accountable and supported.(NMS 20) • The fostering service has a clear strategy for working with and supporting carers.(NMS 21) • Foster carers are provided with supervision and support.(NMS 22) • Foster carers are appropriately trained.(NMS 23)

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

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

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The Commission considers Standards 17, 21, 24 and 32 the key

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

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

Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Management and staff are experienced and supportive. Management systems need to be developed to audit and evaluate service and quality of care.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 The agency has a clear statement of purpose, which reflects its ethos and practice. This needs to detail outcomes of any complaints made and detail experiences and qualifications of staff. There are several children’s guides developed according to age.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency is managed by two registered managers (directors of childcare) both of whom are appropriately qualified and highly experienced managers. One manager has a MBA in Management and the other has completed the Chartered Management Institute level 5 and has begun training at the next level.

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EVIDENCE:

The head office for administration purposes is in the Malvern office. This office supports carers who are spread across the country. The agency employ experienced social work staff to supervise and support foster carers, who are based in the area where the foster carers live. Social workers report a good level of support from their managers who often have to travel great distances from the head office. Some foster carers furthest away from head office have expressed their view that a local office would be of benefit to them. In some areas of the country such as Bristol. Foster Care Co-operative have provided a local office and may need to consider providing more office bases as the agency grows and develops.

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EVIDENCE:

The managers have separated their work tasks clearly between them and deputise for each other when required. Communication and consistency between the managers and staff need to be improved and further developed. Inconsistencies were found in recording and minuting of training, staff meetings and support groups with carers.

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EVIDENCE:

Staff and carers were able to demonstrate knowledge of the lines of accountability within the agency and staff are provided with appropriate written contracts, job descriptions and information with regards to equal opportunities, health and safety and grievance and disciplinary procedures.

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EVIDENCE:

The managers are collating information and quarterly monitoring reports are being produced. This requires further development to evidence the evaluation and analysis of the agency’s performance to ensure quality of care is provided and improved.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency has developed a conflicts of interest policy for staff and carers to sign and adhere to. Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 The agency has developed the policies and procedures required at the last inspection. The foster carer handbook is currently under review.

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EVIDENCE:

There is a clearly set out assessment process for foster carers which is followed by supervising social workers. Evidence was seen of the agency using the new BAAF Form F to process assessments and uses a set of competencies to measure the skills and abilities of potential foster carers. All respite carers are assessed and approved according to matters in Schedule 3 of the Fostering Services Regulations 2001. These assessment reports are completed to a good standard.

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EVIDENCE:

A system has been developed to ensure annual reviews are being completed and review reports have been around Every Child Matters. Despite this not all carers annual reviews were taking place within 12 months. Regulation 29(2) states “reviews shall take place not more than a year after approval, and thereafter whenever the fostering service provider considers it necessary, but at intervals of not more than a year”.

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EVIDENCE:

It was evident that on reviews conducted outside of panel, recommendations were not sent to the agency decision maker for his approval and notices were not sent out to foster carers in accordance with Regulation 29(6).

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EVIDENCE:

Foster Care Agreements have been reviewed and now meet all requirements set out in Schedule 5 of the Fostering Services Regulations 2001. The a gency needs to ensure these are changed when necessary to reflect current terms of approval .

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EVIDENCE:

Foster carers receive regular supervision and spoke positively about the high level of support given to them whenever it is needed from supervising social workers and from management. Some of the comments received included; “felt like valued members since our joining and fully supported and trained at all times”; “FCC gave us an excellent service not only to carers but to the children-we have had an amazing link worker”; “excellent at dealing with queries, problems, they keep in excellent contact”.

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EVIDENCE:

The level of support, supervision and responsiveness given to foster carers is an area in which the agency is particularly good at. The carer’s supervision pro-forma is detailed; it includes all relevant areas, and sets and reviews targets. The agency has recently developed its supervision form for use with carers around the outcomes in Every Child Matters. Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Questionnaires received from social workers indicate a good level of communication between the agency and placing authority social workers. The agency sends monthly reports from foster cares to placing social workers and has recently developed the foster carers monthly supervision form to allow the issues discussed about children and young people to also be sent to placing social workers.

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EVIDENCE:

A programme of ongoing training and funding for external courses ensures all members of staff are kept up to date with developments in law, practice and procedures. The agency has developed a pre approval and post approval training programme for foster carers which is evaluated and reviewed annually and meets requirements. All pre approval training takes place at Malvern.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster carers and young people’s files were inspected. The fostering service ensures that an up-to-date, comprehensive case record is maintained for each child and young person in foster care. Case files were well organized and contained a good range of information in relation to the continuing needs and progress of the young people. Documents however such as foster placement agreements and safe caring policies could routinely be seen on file without signatures from carers or the agency’s social workers, and without having been dated. Whilst a system has been developed to monitor files it is suggested that the agency conducts a detailed and comprehensive file audit on a regular basis, which identifies shortfalls and demonstrates the action taken to improve the service to children.

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EVIDENCE:

Letters routinely being sent out to placing authorities, chasing up Looked After Children (LAC) information etc could also be seen. Whilst it is good practice that this is being monitored and chased up it is of some concern that this needs to be done on such a regular basis. A system needs to be developed at referral to help ensure basic LAC information is obtained at the onset of placement. In one placement the foster carer had no written documentation after 6 days.

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EVIDENCE:

A procedure on the recording, and storage of records by carers and staff, and on the return of records by carers at the end of placement has been developed. From discussions with foster carers and staff confusion still exist regarding the procedures for day-to-day recording. Carers are given a daily diary to keep dates of appointments etc. and a child’s diary for day-to-day recording. They are expected to complete incident reports and medical records where necessary, and monthly reports which are sent to placing authorities and kept on young people’s file. Practice did not reflect the agency’s policy and foster carers had differing expectations with regard to record keeping. Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 Since the last inspection a security has been improved at head office and a signing-in system has been developed.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster Care Co-operative do not deal with the approval of the family or friends of children as foster carers, Standard 32 therefore does not apply to this agency. Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26

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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 X Standard No Score 3 X MANAGEMENT 6 3 Standard No Score 8 2 1 3 9 3 2 X 15 2 4 2 30 3 5 3 16 2 ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING 17 3 Standard No Score 18 X 7 3 19 X 13 4 20 X 31 X 21 3 22 3 MAKING A POSITIVE 23 X CONTRIBUTION 24 3 Standard No Score 25 2 10 3 26 3 11 3 27 X 28 X 32 X Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? yes

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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. FS8 4,38,Sch6 The agency needs to ensure the foster placement agreement is in place prior to or at the point of placement and signed and dated. In emergency placement these must be in place within 24 hours(Timescale of May 2005 not met). 31/12/06

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

2. FS15 20 Sch1 Personnel files for all staff including sessional and casual staff must comply with requirements set out in Schedule1 . 31/12/06

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

3. FS16 29(2)(6) Foster carers annual reviews must take place within 12 months and recommendations and minutes of reviews conducted outside of panel must be sent to the agency decision maker for approval and notices sent out to foster carers. 31/12/06

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

4. FS22 Sch.5 The a gency needs to ensure foster care agreements are amended when necessary to reflect foster carer’s terms of approval . 31/12/06 Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 5. FS30 25(3) The fostering panel must not conduct any business unless it is be quorate . 31/12/06

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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. FS1 The statement of purpose needs to detail outcomes of any complaints made and detail experiences and qualifications of staff. 2. FS4 The agency should further develop its monitoring processes to include evaluation and analysis, and to ensure quality performance. 3. FS11 The agency should develop a format for regular consultation with young people and any information gained from the consultation process can then be acted upon by the agency. 4. FS16 Communication and consistency between the managers and staff needs to be improved and further developed. Inconsistencies were found in recording and minuting of training, staff meetings and support groups with carers.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

5. FS25 A system should to be developed at referral to help ensure basic LAC information is obtained at the onset of placement. 6 FS24 Consistency must be developed with regard to foster carer’s daily recording to ensure compliance with policy and procedures. 7. FS25 It is suggested that the agency conducts a detailed and comprehensive file audit on a regular basis, which identifies shortfalls and demonstrates the action taken to improve the service to children.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

8. FS30 The outcome of reviews conducted outside of panel should be given to panel to help inform the quality assurance function. Foster Care Co-operative Ltd, The DS0000036963.V307996.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 29

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

Worcester Local Office Commission for Social Care Inspection The Coach House John Comyn Drive Perdiswell Park, Droitwich Road Worcester WR3 7NW

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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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