Setting

Child Action North West

Whalley Road Wilpshire Blackburn Lancashire BB1 9LL

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Child Action North West

3 – 13th September 2004 Fostering Services

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

Launched in April 2004, the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) is the single inspectorate for social care in England.

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

The Commission combines the work formerly done by the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI), the SSI/Audit Commission Joint Review Team and the National Care Standards Commission.

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The role of CSCI is to:

• Promote improvement in social care • Inspect all social care - for adults and children - in the public, private and voluntary sectors • Publish annual reports to Parliament on the performance of social care and on the state of the social care market • Inspect and assess ‘Value for Money’ of council social services • Hold performance statistics on social care • Publish the ‘star ratings’ for council social services • Register and inspect services against national standards • Host the Children’s Rights Director role.

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Inspection Methods & Findings

SECTION B of this report summarises key findings and evidence from this inspection. The following 4-point scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"

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The 4-point scale ranges from:

4 - Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 - Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 - Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 - Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls) 'O' or blank in the 'Standard met?' box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. '9' in the 'Standard met?' box denotes standard not applicable. 'X' is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable. Child Action North West Page 1

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Fax No Address

Whalley Road, Wilpshire, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 9LL

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Date of latest registration certificate

Date of last inspection 12/12/04 Child Action North West Page 2

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Date of Inspection Visit

3 rd September 2004 6 th September 2004 7 th September 2004 8 th September 2004 9 th September 2004 10 th September 2004 13 th September 2004 ID Code

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Time of Inspection Visit

15.30 – 17.00 9.30 – 12.30, 14.30 – 19.30 11.00 – 13.00 9.30 – 11.00, 16.30 – 19.45 8.45 – 22.00 15.00 – 16.45 16.00 – 16.35

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Time of Inspection Visit

Name of Inspector 1 Mr Graham Robinson 076687

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inspections and bring a different

perspective to the inspection process. Name of Specialist (e.g.

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Name of Establishment Representative at

the time of inspection Ruth Elsden (Manager) Child Action North West Page 3

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

Independent and local authority fostering services which fall within the jurisdiction of the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) are subject to inspection, to establish if the service is meeting the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services and the requirements of the Care Standards Act 2000, the Fostering Services Regulations 2002 and the Children Act 1989 as amended.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

This document summarises the inspection findings of the CSCI in respect of Child Action North West. The inspection findings relate to the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services published by the Secretary of State under sections 23 and 49 of the Care Standards Act 2000, for independent and local authority fostering services respectively.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

The Fostering Services Regulations 2002 are secondary legislation, with which a service provider must comply. Service providers are expected to comply fully with the National Minimum Standards. The National Minimum standards will form the basis for judgements by the CSCI in relation to independent fostering agencies regarding registration, the imposition and variation of registration conditions and any enforcement action, and in relation to local authority fostering services regarding notices to the local authority and reports to the Secretary of State under section 47 of the Care Standards Act 2000. The report follows the format of the National Minimum Standards and the numbering shown in the report corresponds to that of the standards.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

The report will show the following: • Inspection methods used • Key findings and evidence • Overall ratings in relation to the standards • Compliance with the Regulations • Notifications to the Local Authority and Reports to the Secretary of State • Required actions on the part of the provider • Recommended good practice • Summary of the findings • Report of the Lay Assessor (where relevant) • Providers response and proposed action plan to address findings

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INSPECTION VISITS

Inspections will be undertaken in line with the agreed regulatory framework with additional visits as required. This is in accordance with the provisions of the Care Standards Act 2000. The following inspection methods have been used in the production of this report. The report represents the inspector's findings from the evidence found at the specified inspection dates. Child Action North West Page 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED. Since the previous inspection undertaken in December 2003, the organisation changed its name from Blackburn Child Care Society to Child Action North West. Its status as a registered charity has been retained. The fostering agency is one of a range of services provided the organisation.

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INSPECTION VISITS

The fostering agency offer placements to children and young people aged between 0 – 18 years, for short / long term, emergency and remand. Placements can be made on either a planned or emergency basis.

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INSPECTION VISITS

The agency employed a total of twelve staff. This included the Manager, four fostering social workers, a (temporary) fostering assessment social worker, a child care practitioner, three support workers and two placement officers. Six staff had been recruited into their respective posts since the previous inspection took place. The agency was operating with twenty-two foster carers, accommodating a total of twenty-seven children and young people. Child Action North West Page 6

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Inspector’s Summary

(This is an overview of the inspector’s findings, which includes good practice, quality issues, areas to be addressed or developed and any other concerns.) As the previous inspection was only undertaken in December 2003 and the areas around policies, procedures and general guidance were found to be satisfactory, the primary aim for this inspection was to have contact with and elicit the views of as many people as possible associated with the fostering agency.

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Inspector’s Summary

As a result of this the Inspector met with; four foster carers and children within their own home (as part of the tracking exercise undertaken), fourteen foster carers at their group meeting, a total of fourteen fostered children and young people at two meetings for looked after children and spoke individually with seven agency staff and two members of the fostering panel. The following numbers of completed questionnaires or written contact were received; twelve foster carers, twelve placing officers and eight young people.

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Inspector’s Summary

“I think if all Foster Carers are as helpful and welcoming as my Foster Carers, all young people will have a good life changing experience, being fostered.” (Direct quote from one young persons questionnaire).

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Inspector’s Summary

The general view formed at the conclusion of the inspection was the agency had maintained and in some areas moved forward as an organisation that had previously been identified as “…an effective and well run organisation.” (NCSC inspection report, December 03). For example, December’s inspection noted the positive use of volunteers who worked with and supported fostered children. This role had been formalised with three support workers, managed by a child care practitioner employed to work specifically with both individual and groups of fostered children. The Inspector viewed this as a positive move.

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Inspector’s Summary

The previous inspection highlighted the agencies relatively small size as an area of strength. Despite some growth, the agency retained short, effective channels of communication, which allowed good levels of support, supervision and management. Both agency staff and foster carers recognised this strength. Feedback from some carers expressed concerns that continued, planned growth could result in the agency becoming too large. Following discussion with management, it was understood that no plans were in place to dramatically increase the agencies capacity, but the ongoing recruitment of new foster carers was designed to maintain current capacity.

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Inspector’s Summary

The agency staff spoken with (and observed) all demonstrated a clear understanding around their particular responsibilities and the purpose and functioning of the agency. All highlighted the management of the agency as a strength and felt well supported. Each one demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment towards their respective role and were keen to

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Inspector’s Summary

maintain a team centred approach. No issues of concern were raised regarding opportunities Child Action North West Page 7 for training and the levels of supervision in place.

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Inspector’s Summary

Supervision included regular, formal supervision alongside informal (day to day) and group supervision. Group supervision was an area of recent development. It was understood that group supervision took place in `natural’ groups such as fostering social work and support worker teams. In an effort to assist with and maintain the team centred philosophy, the Manager may wish to consider arranging periodically, group supervision sessions that include all members of the team.

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Inspector’s Summary

The feedback received from foster carers was in the main positive. Some minor grumbles were expressed, but none that were deemed to impinge with the meeting of minimum standards. Some internal grumbles were fed back to management who in the main, were aware of them. All foster carers recognised the positive levels of support provided by the agency, with particular reference to link workers (fostering social workers). Regular visits by link workers were noted as taking place, with a proportion of visits occurring unannounced. This was another positive area of development noted since the previous inspection.

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Inspector’s Summary

Opportunities for training were confirmed as good with a rolling programme of core training ongoing with an expectancy that certain training was mandatory. NVQ level 3 (Caring for Children) was in place with three carers having completed, another due to complete by the end of 2004. Four carers embarked on NVQ training in April 04 and a further six were due to commence the course in October 04. It was understood that one carer was training as an assessor with another carer considering similar training.

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Inspector’s Summary

Feedback from fostered children and young people was also positive. Many confirmed their attendance at looked after children groups and participation in the recent summer activities programme. A number discussed a variety of issues linked directly to living in foster care. No complaints about the level of care received from either foster carers or the agency were made. They were able to demonstrate age appropriate understanding of their rights and how they would access the complaints system if necessary. The individual and group work recently commenced with them by support workers was generally recognised as positive. None of the young people indicated they were experiencing any problems regarding bullying.

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Inspector’s Summary

Young people spoken with appeared settled within their placements, although a number clarified they would rather be at home. One young person spoken with described how their life had changed for the good, once the settling in period at the foster home had been achieved. They spoke (and wrote) thoughtfully and eloquently, relaying their thoughts and views about their situation and foster care in general.

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Conclusion

The report from the previous inspection contained one requirement and ten recommendations. Each one was found to have been fully addressed. For this inspection, no breach of regulatory requirement was detected, therefore this report contains no requirements. With regard to meeting the Fostering Services National Minimum Standards, the Inspector judged that the agency had met them in full and with three, exceeded the standard. This was based on assessing the agency against each part of the standard and where `grey’ areas existed, making a professional assessment based on the outcome that appear with the standards.

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Conclusion

Of the thirty-two standards, three were deemed to have been exceeded, twenty-seven met, Child Action North West Page 8 with two not assessed as they were not applicable.

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Conclusion

Fitness to Provide or Manage a Fostering Service (St 2-3)

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Conclusion

Management of the Fostering Service (St 4-5)

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Conclusion

Securing & Promoting Welfare (St 6 – 14)

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Conclusion

Recruiting, Checking, Managing, Supporting & Training Staff & Foster Carers (St 15-23)

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Conclusion

Fitness of Premises for use as Fostering Service (St 26)

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Conclusion

Standard not assessed. Child Action North West Page 9

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

The following statutory Reports or Notifications are to be made under the Care Standards Act as a result of the findings of this inspection:

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

NO Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(3) of the Care Standards Act 2000 that the Commission considers the Local Authority's fostering service satisfies the regulatory requirements:

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

NO Notice to the Local Authority under section 47(5) of the Care Standards Act 2000 of failure(s) to satisfy regulatory requirements in their fostering service which are not substantial, and specifying the action the Commission considers the Authority should take to remedy the failure(s), informing the Secretary of State of that Notice: NO Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(4)(a) of the Care Standards Act of a failure by a Local Authority fostering service to satisfy regulatory requirements which is not considered substantial:

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

NO Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(1) of the Care Standards Act 2000 of substantial failure to satisfy regulatory requirements by a Local Authority fostering service:

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Implementation of Statutory Requirements from Last Inspection

Requirements from last Inspection visit fully actioned? YES

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Identified below are areas not addressed from the last inspection report which indicate a non-compliance with the Care Standards Act 2000 and Fostering Services Regulations 2002. No. Regulation Standard Required actions Timescale for action

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Action is being taken by the Commission for Social Care Inspection to monitor

compliance with the above requirements. Child Action North West Page 11

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registration are listed below, with the inspector's assessment of compliance from

the evidence at the time of this inspection.

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS IDENTIFIED DURING THIS INSPECTION

Action Plan: The appropriate Officer of the Local Authority or the Registered Person (as applicable) is requested to provide the Commission with an Action Plan, which indicates how requirements are to be addressed. This action plan will be made available on request to the Area Office.

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Identified below are areas addressed in the main body of the report which indicate non- compliance with the Care Standards Act 2000, the Children Act 1989, the Fostering Services Regulations 2002, or the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services. The Authority or Registered Person(s) is/are required to comply within the given time scales in order to comply with the Regulatory Requirements for fostering services. No. Regulation Standard * Requirement Timescale for action None

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

Identified below are areas addressed in the main body of the report which relate to the National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice issues which should be considered for implementation by the Authority or Registered Person(s). No. Refer to Standard * Recommendation Action

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

* Note: You may refer to the relevant standard in the remainder of the report by omitting the 2-letter prefix e.g FS10 refers to Standard 10. Child Action North West Page 13

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

The following inspection methods have been used in the production of this report Number of Inspector days spent 4.5

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Survey of placing authorities YES Foster carer survey YES Foster children survey YES Checks with other organisations and Individuals • Directors of Social services NO • Child protection officer YES • Specialist advisor (s) NO • Local Foster Care Association NO Tracking Individual welfare arrangements YES • Interview with children YES • Interview with foster carers YES • Interview with agency staff YES • Contact with parents NO • Contact with supervising social workers YES • Examination of files YES Individual interview with manager YES Information from provider YES Individual interviews with key staff YES Group discussion with staff YES Interview with panel chair YES Observation of foster carer training NO Observation of foster panel YES Inspection of policy/practice documents YES Inspection of records YES Interview with individual child NO

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Date of Inspection 3/9/04 Time of Inspection 15.30 Duration Of Inspection (hrs) 31.25 Child Action North West Page 14 The following pages summarise the key findings and evidence from this inspection, together with the CSCI assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards have been met. The following scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

The scale ranges from: 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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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

"0" in the "Standard met?" box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. "9" in the "Standard met?" box denotes standard not applicable. “X” is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable. Child Action North West Page 15

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The intended outcome for the following standard is:

• There is clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and the fostering service ensures that they meet those aims and objectives.

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There is a clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and of

what facilities and services they provide. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 A Statement of Purpose last revised in July 2004 was supplied to the Commission prior to the inspection taking place. It was felt that the Statement was satisfactory and generally covered the areas specified in 1.4 of this Standard. It was noted that details of CSCI were included in the complaints section. A childrens guide to the fostering service was available. This was provided to young people in the format of a pack which consisted of a number of components. They included; a leaflet entitled Your Right to be Heard which contained independent telephone numbers young people could contact in emergency along with details of CSCI, a Childrens and Young Person guide to Foster Care, details explaining the role of the support worker and information about Child Action North West Youth Club which caters for 5-11 year olds and 11-16 year olds.

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There is a clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and of

The pack also contained a young persons questionnaire inviting young people to express their view and opinions. Child Action North West Page 16

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• The fostering service is provided and managed by those with the appropriate

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work efficiently and effectively and have the necessary knowledge and experience of

childcare and fostering to do so in a professional manner. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Positive feedback was received from both agency staff and foster carers regarding the management of the service. All recognised and spoke about the strong and effective leadership in place. The manager was suitably experienced and qualified to fulfil their role and this was demonstrated practically prior to and during the inspection.

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Any persons carrying on or managing the fostering service are suitable people to run

a business concerned with safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The overall view formed by the inspector at the conclusion of the inspection was that the people carrying on and managing the fostering service were suitable and had sufficient experience and knowledge to operate a service which safeguarded and promoted the welfare of young people. The report from the last inspection suggested that written references obtained for staff were followed up with a telephone enquiry. Evidence was viewed at this inspection to show that this recommendation had been acted upon. Child Action North West Page 17

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• The fostering service is managed ethically and efficiently, delivering a good quality foster care service and avoiding confusion and conflicts of role.

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

fostering service and ensuring quality performance. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The different roles for the staff operating within the agency i.e. manager, social worker and support worker staff were clearly defined and well established, with clear lines of communication and accountability fully established. Procedures for monitoring and controlling the service were found to be satisfactory and evidence gathered regarding financial procedures suggested that the Society had proper financial procedures in place.

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

The systems in place for notifying external agencies of any incident that fell within the remit of Regulation 43 and Schedule 8 of the Fostering Services Regulations 2002 was found to be satisfactory. This system had been tested since the previous inspection with the regulatory body appropriately notified regarding three incidents. Full records of these incidents were found to be in place.

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

Number of statutory notifications made to CSCI in last 12 months: 3

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

Death of a child placed with foster parents. 0

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Referral to Secretary of State of a person working for the service as

unsuitable to work with children. Serious illness or accident of a child. 1 Outbreak of serious infectious disease at a foster home. 0 Actual or suspected involvement of a child in prostitution. 0

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Serious incident relating to a foster child involving calling the police to a

foster home. Serious complaint about a foster parent. 1 Initiation of child protection enquiry involving a child. 1

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Serious incident relating to a foster child involving calling the police to a

Number of complaints made to CSCI about the agency in the past 12 months: 0 Number of the above complaints which were substantiated: 0 Child Action North West Page 18

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Standard 5 (5.1 - 5.4)

The fostering service is managed effectively and efficiently. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The general view formed at the conclusion of the inspection was that the service was being managed efficiently and effectively. Appropriate job descriptions clearly setting out duties and responsibilities were found to be in place and the inspector was able to evidence examples of the manager delegating appropriate responsibilities effectively. Clear arrangements were found to be in place which identified the person to be in charge when the manager was absent. Child Action North West Page 19

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• The fostering service promotes and safeguards the child/young person's physical, mental and emotional welfare.

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The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and

nurturing environment. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 As part of the tracking exercise a number of foster carer files were viewed during the inspection and evidence was found on each file to show that visits by link workers constantly monitor the facilities and general state of the accommodation provided by foster carers. Four visits to foster carer homes were undertaken during the inspection and the general state of the premises and facilities for the foster children in their care were felt to be appropriate and satisfactory. None of the young people placed in these homes had anything derogatory to say about the general standards of the accommodation. Evidence was also available that Health and Safety checks were carried out by link workers. A copy of the ongoing core training programme for foster carers was provided to the inspector and foster carers were able to confirm that opportunities for training were good with an expectation by

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The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and

the Society that certain core training for example, child protection was mandatory. Each foster carer visited or spoken with confirmed that they had available a full set of the agencies policies, procedures and guidelines.

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The fostering service ensures that children and young people, and their families, are

provided with foster care services which value diversity and promote equality. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 It was felt that the fostering service promote valuing diversity in a positive manner and efforts were made to ensure that equality is promoted. For foster carers this is underpinned by training which included culture awareness and diversity training which formed part of the core training programme. The last such course was noted as taking place on the 13 th January 2004 with two more course planned throughout the year of 2004. A variety of policies and procedures alluded to promoting equality and championing diversity none more so than the Statement of Purpose where in section 4 the agency confirms that its recognises a young persons rights contained in the United Nations declaration of the Rights of the Child and make it clear the responsibility of adults to assert and protect the rights of children and

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The fostering service ensures that children and young people, and their families, are

young people. Valuing diversity is also alluded to in section 11 of the Statement in the section entitled policy statement where it is made clear that a young person’s racial, ethnic, religious culture and linguistic needs will be taken account of during the matching process. Observation of and by reading the minutes of panel meetings also demonstrated that the fostering panel were also aware of these issues, with examples of appropriate decisions, linked into promoting equal opportunities and valuing diversity for young people, being taken. Child Action North West Page 20

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carers only if they represent appropriate matches for a child for whom a local

authority is seeking a carer. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Matching young people with appropriate foster carers remained an area that was dealt with effectively by the agency. This was reflected within the written policy which clearly laid out the areas to be considered during the matching process. Feedback from foster carers, a number of whom were new since the previous inspection, described how the registration procedures included information on this matter. Foster carers confirmed that they felt that they were not put under undue pressure to take young people and that the matching process was properly undertaken. The inspector felt matches were achieved by means of appropriate information sharing and consideration that involved all levels of the professionals within the agency. This included the fostering panel.

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

neglect, exploitation and deprivation. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 It was noted that mandatory core training for foster carers which included child protection training with the most recent training taking place on the 8 th June 2004, with similar training due to be repeated on the 28 th September 2004, was taking place. `Safe Caring’ guidelines were included in written policies and guidelines provided to all foster carers. The agency had in place a child protection policy and procedures along with anti-bullying policies coupled with written guidance for both staff and foster carers. Other written policy and guidance documents linked to protection from abuse and neglect included none corporal punishment, undertaking measures of control, incidents requiring positive handling, absconding, dealing with absconding and whistle blowing. One incident of a child protection nature had taken place since the previous inspection. This incident had been notified to the regulatory body at

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

the appropriate time and full documentation was found to be held on this incident which appeared to have been dealt with appropriately and effectively. None of the young people in communication with the inspector either verbally or in writing indicated that they were experiencing any problems of bullying.

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encouraged to maintain and develop family contacts and friendships as set out in

her/his care plan and/or foster placement agreement. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Foster carers, link workers, support workers and the young people themselves all spoke positively around issues of promoting contact for young people with appropriate adults and families. This was underpinned in 13.4 of the Statement of Purpose in the section entitled Family and Social Relationships. Foster carers spoken with provided recent examples of the efforts they went to, to aid young people maintain contact with their families. Foster carers were found to record outcomes of contact arrangements by way of a diary kept on each individual young person in their care.

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others significant to the child, are sought over all issues that are likely to affect their

daily life and their future. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 Foster carers demonstrated appropriate sensitivity towards issues of consultation with one foster carer providing a recent example of how they had assisted the young person with their consultation form prior to their review. The fostering service took positive steps to ensure that consultation with young people placed with the agency was ongoing. For example, age appropriate, fortnightly meetings were held where young people are invited to participate in what is termed a youth club. Those meetings in part, were used by support workers to maintain regular contact and allow for consultation with young people. Support workers had also developed consultation processes further by providing opportunities for individual contact with young people, organised in such a way that allowed for issues of advocacy, along with a general check that things were satisfactory in the young person’s life, to take

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others significant to the child, are sought over all issues that are likely to affect their

place regularly. The group of support workers had been recruited since the previous inspection and is viewed by the regulatory authority as a positive development. All foster carers spoken with confirmed they had the information and knowledge as to how they could raise any concerns or complaints should they wish to do so and that they received prompt feedback from the agency should issues such as these be raised. It is felt that the development of the support worker system provided more opportunities for consultation with young people to take place and as a result of this, it is felt the agency has exceeded this standard. Child Action North West Page 22

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training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

in decisions about her/his health needs. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Since the previous inspection a health visitor with specific responsibility for looked after children in Blackburn with Darwen, was participating in a more active role within the society and with foster carers in general. Foster carers confirmed that they had knowledge of this person, their role and how to access the service should they feel the need to do so. A number were able to provide specific examples where the health visitor had assisted them in securing appropriate medical and health facilities within the Borough. The Agency were supplied by the inspector of details of nurses/health visitors with similar responsibilities for looked after children in other areas of East Lancashire. The meeting with the foster carer group demonstrated an improvement (from the previous inspection) with regard to foster carers understanding and knowledge as to how they could access medical and dental

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training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

services for young people in their care.

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child or young person in foster care and ensures that she/he is encouraged to attain

her/his full potential. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 In the report from the previous inspection, this standard was deemed to have been exceeded. At the conclusion of this inspection, the inspector’s opinion was the agency had maintained its previous standards noted. For example, foster carers spoken with described and understood their own responsibilities regarding the education of young people and provided examples of how they were either in the process of or had secured educational placements for young people. Importantly foster carers were able to demonstrate ownership of that responsibility. The fostering panel observed by the inspector highlighted one recent incident of a foster carer approaching schools, positively. One member of the panel who had responsibility for looked after children regarding education within the Borough of Blackburn with Darwen was still available to foster carers to consult with and remained

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child or young person in foster care and ensures that she/he is encouraged to attain

active in helping foster carers to promote the educational needs for young people. Young people themselves confirmed that they were encouraged to attend school with one young person yet to secure a school placement, explaining they were hopeful that a school placement would be available within the short term. Child Action North West Page 23

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The fostering service ensures that their foster care services help to develop skills,

competence and knowledge necessary for adult living. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Written procedures were found to be in place linked into independent living and preparing young people for adulthood. One young person reaching that stage was spoken to in some detail and had positive comments to make regarding the support they were receiving from both agency staff and their foster carers. Child Action North West Page 24

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• The people who work in or for the fostering service are suitable to work with

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number of staff and carers and their range of qualifications and experience are

sufficient to achieve the purposes and functions of the organisation.

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Any people working in or for the fostering service are suitable people to work with

children and young people and to safeguard and promote their welfare. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 At the previous inspection undertaken the agency was deemed to have failed to meet this standard and a breach of regulation was detected. All the advice and recommendations provided by the regulatory body at that time were found to have been acted upon and it was noted that appropriate evidence was being maintained on staff files to show that suitable clearance and recruitment procedures were taking place. To evidence this six files were randomly selected and included staff who had been recruited since the previous inspection. All the necessary evidence and documentation expected to be held on file was in place.

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Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

foster care service. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 The previous inspection report deemed that the agency had exceeded this standard and the inspector felt that those standards noted at that time had been maintained. All staff spoken with (seven agency plus two panels members) were found to be enthusiastic and well motivated. All stated that they felt that they were well supported and confirmed that regular supervision took place both individually and now in groups. An appropriate training programme was also found to be in place. The inspector was able to note that a team centred approach existed throughout the agency. Appropriate written contracts, job descriptions and conditions of service were available on all staff files. Staff confirmed that they were aware of and had copies of all policies, working practices and written guidance. Child Action North West Page 25

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qualified staff and recruits a range of carers to meet the needs of children and young

people for whom it aims to provide a service. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Since the previous inspection the role of some of the volunteers had been formalised, with the agency employing three support workers who were managed by a child care practitioner. Their role was to offer support and work directly with fostered children and young people. This was viewed as a positive development by the inspector. This meant an increase in staff within the agency and it was felt that the agency had adequate numbers of sufficiently experienced and quality of staff, coupled with adequate numbers of foster carers to meet the aims and needs of the fostering service as described in the Statement of Purpose. A wide range of policies and procedures were in place and were provided to all foster carers. Note was made of a number of policies and written guidance that had been created or developed further since the previous inspection. A clear assessment process of foster carers built

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qualified staff and recruits a range of carers to meet the needs of children and young

around form F1 was found to be in place. It is noted that this form was due to be revised in November 2004.

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The fostering service is a fair and competent employer, with sound employment

practices and good support for its staff and carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Feedback from foster carers regarding `out of hours’ cover was positive and they were able to confirm that they had copies of a duty rota stating who was on duty out of hours at any one time. Importantly if any change was made to that rota, foster carers confirmed they were informed accordingly at all times. Appropriate management systems for foster carer supervision, appraisal and support were noted. A comprehensive health and safety policy for carers, young people and staff was found to be in place as was appropriate public liability and professional indemnity insurance. The agency had its own whistle blowing policy and both agency staff and foster carers demonstrated knowledge of its availability.

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There is a good quality training programme to enhance individual skills and to keep

staff up-to-date with professional and legal developments. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 A core training programme was found to be in place with a record of training undertaken along with future planning for 2004 noted. The plan included induction and in service training. It was made clear to foster carers that part of the core training programme was mandatory. Joint training between foster service staff and foster carers was held on a regular basis. Those spoken with, both agency and foster carers were positive with regard to the opportunities for training. Details of the NVQ training programme appear at the beginning of this report in the summary of inspection findings. Child Action North West Page 26

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Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.5)

All staff are properly accountable and supported. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Standard 16 of this report has already noted the positive feedback received from staff regarding supervision support and appraisal. All areas around staff being accountable and being supported appropriately were found to be satisfactory.

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Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

The fostering service has a clear strategy for working with and supporting carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Satisfactory support and management of foster carers were found to be in place with link workers playing a pivotal role in this. Some gripes were received regarding individual relationships between foster carers and link workers but these were relatively minor. The majority of feedback from foster carers were indeed positive. Questionnaires received from placing social workers indicated that the agency is able to maintain good levels of communications with them.

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The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

and helps them to develop their skills. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 As part of the tracking exercise a random selection of foster carer files were reviewed and each one was found to be in order, up to date and contained appropriate information. Regular visits by link workers to foster carers homes were noted as taking place with suitable records maintained on individual files. Since the previous inspection a proportion of these visits had taken place unannounced and this system was found to have been absorbed into the policy of visits undertaken by link workers. This was viewed by the inspector as a positive development. The general view from carers was that they felt reasonably well supported. Child Action North West Page 27

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provide high quality care and meet the needs of each child/young person placed in

their care. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Foster carers spoke positively around the opportunities and arrangements in place regarding the training programme, with a copy provided to the inspector during the inspection. Core training included areas such as child protection, healthy living, food hygiene, drugs awareness, challenging behaviour and valuing diversity. A number of newly recruited foster carers all spoke positively regarding the level and depth of the induction received. The partner of a foster carer deemed to be a primary carer, spoke with the inspector and indicated that they wished to play a full role in fostering and would welcome the opportunities to attend more training. They described their situation which included working what is often termed as a normal working week i.e. Monday to Friday. A suggestion was made that the opportunity to undertake some training on Saturday would be welcomed. A further

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provide high quality care and meet the needs of each child/young person placed in

suggestion received by the inspector linked into the training of carers was made by a panel member who indicated that it may prove beneficial to foster carers if a panel member was to play an active role in initial foster carer training. Management staff of the agency may wish to consider these suggestions. Child Action North West Page 28

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• All appropriate records are kept and are accessible in relation to the fostering services and the individual foster carers and foster children.

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maintained for each child or young person in foster care which details the nature and

quality of care provided and contributes to an understanding of her/his life events.

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Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

anyone involved in her/his care. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 A random selection of case records of fostered young people were reviewed as part of the tracking exercise and it was noted that there had been an improvement in obtaining the full range of LAC documentation one would expect to be provided by placing authorities. Evidence was found on these files of agency staff writing and prompting placing authorities to supply missing documentation. Foster carers confirmed they were supplied with relevant documentation and indeed some were confident enough to chase individual placing social workers themselves, if they felt the information they had was not detailed enough. Policies and guidance for foster carers regarding record keeping and confidentiality were found to be in place as indeed were written agreement by foster carers to maintain confidentiality.

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The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

relevant to the running of the foster care service and as required by regulations. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The administrative systems in place were reviewed and found to be satisfactory. They included suitable system to record information about complaints or any allegations that may have been made. Confidential records were stored securely. The general standard of entries in written records was felt to be satisfactory. Entries used appropriate language and were clearly written.

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The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

Number of current foster placements supported by the agency: 28 Number of placements made by the agency in the last 12 months: 57

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months:

Number of new foster carers approved during the last 12 months: 14 Number of foster carers who left the agency during the last 12 months: 1

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The intended outcome for the following standard is:

• The premises used as offices by the fostering service are suitable for the purpose.

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Standard 26 (26.1 - 26.5)

Premises used as offices by the fostering service are appropriate for the purpose. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The location of the office used by the fostering agency remained as it was when the previous inspection took place although the fostering staff had moved to another part of the building. The facilities available to them appeared to be appropriate. Child Action North West Page 30

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• The agency fostering services are financially viable and appropriate and timely payments are made to foster carers.

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The agency ensures it is financially viable at all times and has sufficient financial

resources to fulfil its obligations. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 A variety of financial information was provided to the inspector at his request during the inspection. Based on the information provided and reviewed no evidence could be found to suggest that the agency was not anything but financially viable.

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The financial processes/systems of the agency are properly operated and maintained

in accordance with sound and appropriate accounting standards and practice. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The agency maintained a written set of principles and standards to govern its financial management. No issues of concern regarding the financial processes adopted by the agency were apparent. Child Action North West Page 31

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cost of caring for each child or young person placed with him or her. Payments are

made promptly and at the agreed time. Allowances and fees are reviewed annually. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Systems remained in place regarding the payment of allowances and expenses to foster carers. All foster carers indicated that payments were promptly paid by the agency at agreed times. No complaints were received by foster carers regarding prompt payment. Child Action North West Page 32

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• Fostering panels are organised efficiently and effectively so as to ensure that

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Fostering panels have clear written policies and procedures, which are implemented

in practice, about the handling of their functions. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 To evidence this standard the minutes of the three previous foster panel meetings were reviewed, two members of the panel including the chair were spoken with and observation of the fostering panel that took place on the 9 th September 2004 was undertaken by the inspector. The panel was observed dealing with some complex tricky and sensitive issues appropriately. The range of experience from individual panel members was felt to complement each other which allowed the fostering panel to fulfil it role appropriately. Child Action North West Page 33

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• When foster care is provided as a short-term break for a child, the arrangement recognises that the parents remain the main carers for the child.

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have policies and procedures, implemented in practice, to meet the particular needs

of children receiving short-term breaks. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 9 This standard was not assessed the areas covered were not applicable to the agency. Child Action North West Page 34

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• Local authority fostering services' policies and procedures for assessing,

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there is recognition of the particular relationship and position of family and friend

carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 9 This standard was not assessed the areas were not applicable to the agency. Child Action North West Page 35

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comments/confirmation relating to the content and accuracy of the report for

We would welcome comments on the content of this report relating to the Inspection conducted on <enter date(s) of inspection here> and any factual inaccuracies:

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comments/confirmation relating to the content and accuracy of the report for

Please limit your comments to one side of A4 if possible Child Action North West Page 37

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Action taken by the CSCI in response to the provider’s comments:

Amendments to the report were necessary NO

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Action taken by the CSCI in response to the provider’s comments:

Comments were received from the provider NO

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Action taken by the CSCI in response to the provider’s comments:

Provider comments/factual amendments were incorporated into the final inspection report

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Action taken by the CSCI in response to the provider’s comments:

Provider comments are available on file at the Area Office but have not been incorporated into the final inspection report. The inspector believes the report to be factually accurate

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Note:

In instances where there is a major difference of view between the Inspector and the Registered Provider responsible Local Authority fostering service Manager both views will be made available on request to the Area Office.

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to be addressed and stating a clear timescale for completion. This will be

kept on file and made available on request.

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report:

Action plan was received at the point of publication

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report:

Action plan covers all the statutory requirements in a timely fashion

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report:

Action plan did not cover all the statutory requirements and required further discussion

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report:

Provider has declined to provide an action plan

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Public reports

It should be noted that all CSCI inspection reports are public documents. Reports on children’s homes are only obtainable on personal application to CSCI offices. Child Action North West Page 38

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Registered Person’s or responsible Local Authority Manager’s statement of

agreement/comments: Please complete the relevant section that applies.

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relating to the inspection conducted on the above date(s) and that I agree with

the statutory requirements made and will seek to comply with these.

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Date

Note: In instance where there is a profound difference of view between the Inspector and the Registered Provider both views will be reported. Please attach any extra pages, as applicable.

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Child Action North West / 3 – 13th September 2004

Commission for Social Care Inspection 33 Greycoat Street London SW1P 2QF

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Child Action North West / 3 – 13th September 2004

Telephone: 020 7979 2000 Fax: 020 7979 2111

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Child Action North West / 3 – 13th September 2004

National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 www.csci.org.uk

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Child Action North West / 3 – 13th September 2004

S0000036972.V178199.R01 © This report may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection

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Child Action North West / 3 – 13th September 2004

The paper used in this document is supplied from a sustainable source

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