Setting

CT5 1EL

Announced 19 - 21/10/05 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to:

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CT5 1EL

• 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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CT5 1EL

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 Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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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CT5 1EL

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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CT5 1EL

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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CT5 1EL

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. Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 4

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SERVICE INFORMATION

Address 107b Island Wall, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1EL

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manager (if applicable)

Type of registration Registered Fostering Agency

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of places

Fostering Agency Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 5

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Brief Description of the Service:

Kasper is a ‘Company Limited by Guarantee without Share Capital and a ‘not- for-profit’ organisation’. It is an independent fostering agency based in Whitstable, Kent. It provides placements for children and young people unable to remain within their own family. At the time of the inspection there were twenty approved carers, caring for twenty eight children. There were an additional five foster families working through the assessment process towards approval. Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 6

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SUMMARY

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

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SUMMARY

The inspection took place over two days and was conducted by two inspectors. Arrangements were made to visit four foster families though due to changing circumstances only two were eventually seen. In both instances all members of the foster families gave up some time and were accommodating with respect to the inspection process. Time was spent speaking with the manager of the service and a senior practitioner in social work. Preinspection questionnaires were completed and returned by six foster carers, eleven social workers, and eight children. Information provided by the manager regarding key aspects of the service was also included in the information drawn upon to prepare this report. A broad range of documentation was inspected in relation to the operation of the service. The inspection was concluded with verbal feedback to the fostering service team summarising the preliminary findings of the inspection in relation to each of the standards inspected. The time and

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SUMMARY

cooperation of all those contributing to the inspection is acknowledged and appreciated.

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What the service does well:

There was an example of excellent work taking place to support the health and development needs of children.

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What the service does well:

The fostering service is committed to and has invested in providing suitable education opportunities to children.

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What the service does well:

Foster carers approved by the agency have been praised by social workers that have placed children with them.

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What the service does well:

The fostering service has done well in making efforts to ensure advocacy for children is effective, and that it consults with them and all those with a stake in the fostering service.

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What the service does well:

Contact facilities provided are an important aspect of what the service has to offer and continue to exceed the standards.

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What the service does well:

The people working for the fostering service are committed, skilled and well qualified and experienced in relation to their roles.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

A requirement relating to health and safety made in the last inspection report has been acted upon. Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 7

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What they could do better:

The fostering service should ensure that methods of control used by foster carers are in line with the standards and regulations. Where this has not been the case follow up action taken should be clearly evidenced.

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What they could do better:

Information on all persons working for the purposes of the fostering service should be in accordance with the details specified in the regulations.

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What they could do better:

The arrangements in place regarding the decision maker also being a member of the panel should be reviewed.

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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. Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 8

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CONTENTS

Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 9

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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

Children benefit from a fostering service that values and promotes their good health and development.

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EVIDENCE:

Files inspected included records that showed children and young people were routinely registered with a local GP, and are supported to access other health services according to their needs. Health related matters are recorded and monitored with a view to informing ongoing support and practice. Health records are updated during the placement and considered in the planning and review of care. The agency has worked well in partnership with children, foster carers and health care professionals to generate positive outcomes for children in this area. The capability to coordinate a proactive convergence of resources for the betterment of a child’s health and development is an indication of the understanding and commitment the fostering service has to delivering high quality care tailored to the individual needs of each child. Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 10

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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

The persons carrying on and managing the fostering service are fit to do so.

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30

Children benefit from an agency that ensures that foster carers and their homes are suitable to offer such services.

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30

The service has matched children to carers appropriately.

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30

Children and young people are protected from abuse by the agency’s policies, procedures and training for foster cares. A serious shortfall in practice was however identified. Though the shortfall was serious it has not been judged as indicative of the general practice of the fostering service.

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30

Children have been protected by the homes recruitment procedures though this could have been to a greater extent had all the checks prescribed by regulation been carried out.

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30

The fostering service panel has been operated to promote good quality decisions about the approval of foster carers, in line with the overriding objective to promote and safeguard the welfare of children in foster care. Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 11

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EVIDENCE:

The persons carrying on and managing the service have been judged as fit and suitable to do so. The registration process provides this baseline of suitability. No information has come to light to suggest that these people are no longer suitable.

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EVIDENCE:

Ongoing contact with foster carers contributes to ensuring, standards relating to accommodation and environmental safety in foster homes is maintained. The annual review process includes checks and overview of matters relating to this area of foster carers practice. The two homes visited during this inspection were in keeping with current standards and in some specific aspects had exceeded them.

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EVIDENCE:

Matches are achieved by means of information sharing and consideration involving all relevant professionals, the child and her/his family and potential carers, their families and other children in placement.

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EVIDENCE:

The fostering service makes clear in policy to the foster carers that corporal punishment is not acceptable and that this includes smacking, slapping, shaking and all other humiliating forms of treatment or punishment. This is set out clearly in written information for foster carers. The staff and carers handbooks set out the procedure to be followed in the event of any allegation of abuse or neglect. There are established procedures to be followed in the event of a child protection matter that describes signs and symptoms that may indicate or raise concerns. The procedure appropriately details options for consultation within the child protection procedures. During examination of the records it was noted that a child had been locked into a bedroom within the foster carers home as a method of control. The agency was aware of this technique and the limited records of this incident did not suggest that the agency had been overly concerned. Little or no mention

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EVIDENCE:

was made in supervision notes for the carer, or the fostering social worker. It appeared that no meeting with the carer had taken place to address this incident. This issue was discussed; there was acknowledgement of the issues noted and an assertion that the matter had in fact been thoroughly addressed and though acknowledgement that documentation failed to evidence this in full.

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EVIDENCE:

The staff handbook provides clear written recruitment and selection procedures for appointing staff, which follow good practice in safeguarding children and young people. Staff files were checked and though some omissions were noted the majority of checks had been completed. Taking into account other checks that had been made the impact of these omissions was not felt to constitute an immediate or major risk to the welfare and safety of children. However the requirement is put upon the registered person to ensure full and satisfactory Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 12 information is obtained in relation to each person working for the agency as required by the Fostering Service Regulations 2001(reg 20 / schedule 1).

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EVIDENCE:

There are written policies and procedures for the fostering panel members, which have been implemented in practice. The panel includes members with expertise in child health and education. Recruitment checks of panel members have been informed by the regulations and standards. Further comment relevant to the recruitment of panel members is included in the text relating to standard fifteen. Discussion with the panel chair and a review of documentation relating to the panel confirmed that the panel has an important role in the quality assurance of assessments and reviews presented. The panel receives management information regarding annual reviews and also considers each one, making recommendations regarding the continuing approval status of foster carers. Though a requirement is made in relation to the responsible individual being a member of the panel and the agencies decision maker it was clear that the

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EVIDENCE:

current arrangements were in line with promoting the independence and effective functioning of the panel. Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 13

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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 & 13

Children benefit from a fostering service that values diversity.

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

Children have benefited from a service that recognises the value and importance of education and one that ensures they are given appropriate support in relation to educational development and progress.

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

NMS 31 not applicable to the service at the time of this inspection.

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EVIDENCE:

Training in Cultural and Diversity Awareness is a core module in the programme delivered to foster carers. Records indicated that this training has taken place though unfortunately had not been attended by at least one foster carer for whom it had been deemed as relevant despite the opportunity being provided to them on two occasions. Records illustrated an example of where specific measures were taken where cultural needs had been assessed as needing to be addressed and as agreed in placement plans. The agency works within a framework of equal opportunities, articulated in a written policy contained within staff and foster carer manuals.

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EVIDENCE:

Discussions with young people and foster carers confirmed that educational needs were being met and that young people receive excellent support in this area, which follows the agency’s policy on promoting education. This includes all young people attending mainstream schools, special schools and college as planned for. There is an expectation made by the service on foster carers to take an active role with respect to all matters relating to the educational needs of children / young people placed with them and training is provided. Records Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 14 are maintained of educational attainment of children and young people being looked after. Foster carers attend school functions and meetings. The agency also funds sessional workers who are qualified to provide help with education for example, English, I.T. skills, educational activities, and funding for

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EVIDENCE:

computer purchases. Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 15

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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 & 11

The fostering service promotes contact arrangements for children and young people. High quality service provision continues in this area.

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

The fostering service actively promotes consultation and seeks to enable children to have their voice heard.

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EVIDENCE:

Placement plans; contact records and feedback from children, foster carers and placing authorities indicate there is good practice in this area. Records documenting contact were detailed and well written providing useful feedback to placing social workers in addition to contributing important information to the written history of the child or young person. The agency provides financial support and facilitates supervised contact where needed. Information is provided to carers with regard to the financial support provided for transport or other costs involved in ensuring contacts take place. The agency provides high quality facilities for contact between children and their families and significant others. Overnight accommodation has also been arranged where the need to do so has been identified. Foster carers have confirmed they had attended preparatory training, which includes the promotion of contact; this is also contained in the carer’s

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EVIDENCE:

Young people’s opinions and those of families and significant others are sought through the formal care review process, support meetings, and informally between foster carers and young people placed. A Children’s Newsletter is produced and distributed as a further measure to keep children and young people included in the fostering information loop. Young people contributing to the inspection by completing questionnaires or in person during visits Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 16 confirmed that they are asked their opinions such as choices for meals, activities, holidays, ideas for bedrooms, clothes and presents. Young people have confirmed they have been told how to make a complaint and who to speak to if they have any concerns and have been given a Children’s Guide. There fostering service has introduced the role of “children’s champion”. This has been taken on by a qualified social worker with the aim to ensure that

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EVIDENCE:

views of children are ascertained and taken into account in relation to decisions made that involve them and about the care and support they receive. Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 17

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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 fostering service pays carer’s their agreed allowance and expense in a timely and professional manner.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency has written information relating to fostering allowances that are paid and these are contained in the foster carers manual and agreements. Foster carers have confirmed that they receive allowances and expenses as per the written information they have been provided with and that these payments are made promptly and at the agreed time. Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 18

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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, 21 & 24

The number of staff working for the fostering service is such that the statement of purpose can be fulfilled. The qualifications and experience of staff exceed the minimum standards.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 17, 21 & 24

The fostering service has established clear and effective strategies for working with and supporting foster carers. Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 19 Children benefit from a service that works towards ensuring that records held about them are comprehensive, completed to a professional standard and managed and stored in a correct and proper manner.

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EVIDENCE:

There is a clear organisational structure to the fostering service that in all its aspects is carried on by people with suitable qualifications and experience. An established team whose roles have been defined manages the administrative and financial aspects of the fostering service. Those working directly with foster carers and children all have advanced social work qualifications relevant to their role and functions. The assessment process for foster carers takes into account and addresses all relevant factors following recognised procedures to do so and as required of this standard. Evidence of full assessments was seen on foster carers files.

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EVIDENCE:

The fostering service has a clear strategy for working with and supporting carers. Individual supervision, peer group meetings, and out of hour’s assistance are included in these strategies. Evidence was seen and heard of how the agency has supported carers in different situations and given help when it is needed. It was confirmed that the agency’s policies and procedures are circulated to carers and staff. Foster carers have reported that they receive a high standard of support and guidance from the operational staff team. Annual review reports are prepared and presented to the fostering panel. Placing Social Workers have confirmed they are kept well informed of events by foster carers and the operational staff.

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EVIDENCE:

Case records were reviewed and there are policies with regard to record keeping. Carers and young people’s files were on the whole well organised though there were instances where information trails ended abruptly. This was attributed to filing and considered to be indicative of nothing more. Appropriate records were being maintained by the agency. Foster carers visited demonstrated an awareness of the expectations placed upon them in terms of record keeping and had received written guidance, training and supervision covering this area of practice. Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 20

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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 4 Standard No Score 14 x STAYING SAFE 29 3 Standard No Score 3 3 MANAGEMENT 6 4 Standard No Score 8 3 1 x 9 1 2 x 15 2 4 x 30 2 5 x 16 x ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING 17 4 Standard No Score 18 x 7 3 19 x 13 4 20 x 31 x 21 4 22 x MAKING A POSITIVE 23 x CONTRIBUTION 24 3 Standard No Score 25 x 10 4 26 x 11 4 27 x 28 x Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 21 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. 9 13 The registered person shall ensure that no method of control is used towards a child or young person that is contrary to NMS 9 and Regulation 13. 21.10.05

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

2. 9 42 The registered person shall ensure that methods of control used towards a child or young person are monitored and reported on by the registered person in accordance with schedule 7 regulation 42 (1) 21.11.05

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

3. 15 20 The registered person shall ensure full and satisfactory information is obtained in relation to each person working for the agency as required by the Fostering Service Regulations 2001(reg 20 / schedule 1). 21.12.05

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

4. 30 24 The registered person shall ensure that no member of its fostering panel shall take part in any decision made by a fostering service provider in deciding whether to approve a person as a foster parent and under what terms that approval be made. 21.12.05 Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 22

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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 The registered manager should review the strategies used to ensure foster carers attend relevant training as part of their professional role. Kasper H56-H05 S36530 Kapser V247257 191005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 23

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

th Floor, International House Dover Place Ashford Kent TN23 1HU

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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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