Melanie Waddy

Inspection report for adoption support agency

p.1

Unique reference number SC359792 Inspection date 21-Jul-2008 Inspector Rosemary Chapman Type of inspection Key Type of registration Adoption Support Agency

p.1

Service address 39 Cranley Gardens, LONDON, N10 3AB

p.1

Website address

Registered person Melanie Waddy Registered manager Melanie Waddy Inspection report Melanie Waddy Page 2 of 9

p.1

Website address

This document may be freely reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report Melanie Waddy Page 3 of 9

p.2

About this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

p.3

About this inspection

This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the relevant National Minimum Standards for the service.

p.3

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough Not judged: this aspect of the provision was not judged Inspection report Melanie Waddy Page 4 of 9

p.3

Brief description of the service

The adoption support agency was registered in March 2007. The agency is based in North London but the service can be provided elsewhere by arrangement. The registered provider is also the manager and no staff are employed. The provider is a registered psychoanalytical psychotherapist and provides counselling to adults in relation to adoption issues. This does not include birth records, counselling or intermediary services.

p.4

Summary

The overall quality rating is satisfactory.

p.4

Summary

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

p.4

Summary

This inspection was a key announced inspection.

p.4

What the service does well

The adoption support agency was working with a small number of service users at the time of the inspection. The strengths of the agency are its prompt response to requests for a service, the flexibility in how those requests are dealt with and the professionalism of the provider. Melanie Waddy is a very knowledgeable, experienced, skilled and qualified psychotherapist with sound personal and professional knowledge of adoption issues. She keeps her knowledge base up to date through regular and relevant training and professional supervision. This enables her to provide a sound service. She is able to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality whilst working in partnership with other agencies to safeguard and promote the welfare of service users.

p.4

What has been improved since the last inspection

This is the first inspection of the service, which was registered in March 2007.

p.4

What they could do better

No actions or recommendations have been made at this inspection as Melanie Waddy is meeting all the standards which relate to a small adoption support agency which does not employ staff. Inspection report Melanie Waddy Page 5 of 9

p.4

Statement of purpose

The agency has a written Statement of Purpose, reviewed in July 2008, which describes its aims and objectives and the service which is offered. This document gives anyone who wishes to use the service access to clear information about what to expect. The provider is able to utilise translation services if the document is required in any other format, including Braille.

p.5

Safeguarding and promoting welfare

This adoption support agency provides a service to adults only. However, the provider is mindful of the need to protect children, has developed a written child protection procedure and is aware of the local safeguarding board. Her procedures also reflect how to deal with allegations of historical abuse. The provider undertakes annual safeguarding training in relation to vulnerable adults and is aware of the need to ensure all service users are safeguarded from all forms of abuse. She demonstrates a sound awareness of the issues and the need to ensure the protection of vulnerable adults and children, placing the safety of children of paramount importance. There have been no allegations of abuse, but the provider is aware of the need to record these appropriately .

p.5

User focused services

The agency is very clear about the service it can offer and this is detailed in its Statement of Purpose, its policy and the leaflet which is given to enquirers. The provider undertakes an initial assessment to see if her service is appropriate, using the CORE system (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation). If she feels her service is not appropriate, she suggests alternative resources. She is able to respond very quickly to any requests and would do so within 24 hours. Ms Waddy demonstrates a good awareness of the varying needs of service users and a respect for their differences. Feedback from a professional stated that 'Melanie Waddy takes into account the needs of service users and their limitations'. Service users have said that they find her 'warm and approachable'.

p.5

User focused services

In addition to feedback which takes place during the course of the counselling sessions, there is a more formal evaluation at the end of the seven sessions, when Inspection report Melanie Waddy Page 6 of 9

p.5

User focused services

service users complete the CORE evaluation form again to compare their state of mind. Service users are given the complaints procedure at the start of their engagement and this allows a number of avenues for any expression of dissatisfaction. Although there are no formal commissioning arrangements in place, Ms Waddy undertakes some work for a local authority. They have commented that she is conscientious about confidentiality and respects service users' rights whilst maintaining a healthy communication with professionals. This demonstrates a good ability to work in partnership to meet and protect the needs of service users. The local authority are impressed and pleased with her work, based on feedback they receive from the service users they refer, and comment on her flexibility, prompt responses and effective communication, whilst maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

p.6

Service delivery

Ms Waddy is the sole provider of the services so is fully aware of the level of service provision. She always informs service users of their right to ask the local authority for an assessment of needs and will always take that assessment into account if provided with it. She has clear information for service users which explain what is involved and the expected length of contact, this is reviewed at regular intervals.

p.6

Fitness to provide or manage an adoption support agency

Ms Waddy is a very experienced, knowledgeable and skilled professional who works efficiently and effectively. She has relevant personal and professional experience of adoption, is a member of an adoption panel and as such, receives regular training and updates in relation to adoption law and current issues. She is registered with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and is a qualified psychoanalytic psychotherapist. She demonstrated her suitability in an interview in March 2007, has a current, clear Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check and all references are in order.

p.6

Management of the adoption support agency

Ms Waddy monitors and controls the work of the adoption support agency to a level appropriate to its size and function. She operates a sliding scale of fees, service users are informed of the charges and these are invoiced on a monthly basis. She Inspection report Melanie Waddy Page 7 of 9

p.6

Management of the adoption support agency

produces a brief report of the work undertaken every six months. Outcomes of her work with service users are monitored through her regular professional supervision. Service users are thus aware of their financial commitment and receive a professional and appropriate service.

p.7

Individual practitioners

Ms Waddy receives an appropriate level of training and supervision which ensures that the service she offers provides good outcomes for service users. She receives professional supervision on a weekly basis with a qualified psychoanalyst. She maintains a record of her continuous professional development and this includes training she undertakes as a member of an adoption panel, British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) training and other courses. A certain level of training is required to maintain her registration both as a psychotherapist and a nurse.

p.7

Individual practitioners

There is a sufficient level of office equipment to meet the needs of the service. The agency has a separate telephone number with an answering machine, computer equipment, policies and procedures which govern health and safety and equal opportunities, and insurance cover, including public liability and professional indemnity. This ensures that the service is managed efficiently and effectively.

p.7

Complaints and representations

The agency has a written complaints procedure which is given to service users at the start of their involvement. There have been no complaints but Ms Waddy is aware of the need to maintain a record of these for monitoring purposes.

p.7

Records

The need to maintain strict levels of client confidentiality is a significant feature of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Ms Waddy's case notes are kept on the computer and Inspection report Melanie Waddy Page 8 of 9

p.7

Records

she has brief details of each service user to comply with Regulation 14. There is a policy which addresses the storage and access to case records. Appropriate security measures are in place, both for any paper records and for those stored on the computer. These include password protection and back up on disk.

p.8

Fitness of premises

Ms Waddy has an annexe which is used for client contact. This includes a separate entrance and waiting area. If a service user has limited mobility, another room would be booked which offers accessibility. The premises are alarmed and this is regularly maintained, there are appropriate fire safety measures in place and Ms Waddy has considered how to deal with the business in the event of an emergency.

p.8

Financial requirements

Ms Waddy has appropriate financial procedures in place which are commensurate with the size of the agency. She provides a set of accounts to her accountant each year and is clear about the fees and charges which are in place. Inspection report Melanie Waddy Page 9 of 9

p.8