Setting

West Sussex LA Fostering Service

The Director of Social & Caring Services County Hall Chichester West Sussex PO19 1QT

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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. West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 1

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Address

The Director of Social & Caring Services, Grange Block, County Hall, Tower Street, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1QT

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Fax No: Address

The Director of Social & Caring Services, Grange Block, County Hall, Tower Street, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1QT

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Date of last inspection

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 2 Date of Inspection Visit 24th November 2003 ID Code

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Date of last inspection

Name of Inspector 1 Mr Kevin Ball 111565

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inspections and bring a different

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

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

Independent and local authority fostering services which fall within the jurisdiction of the National Care Standards Commission (NCSC) 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 NCSC in respect of West Sussex LA Fostering Service. 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 NCSC 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. West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED. West Sussex LA Fostering Service 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.) West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 7

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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)

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)

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: 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)

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?

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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 National Care Standards Commission to monitor

compliance with the above requirements. West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 9

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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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Date

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 10

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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 and recommendations 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

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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. West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 11

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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

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Survey of placing authorities Foster carer survey Foster children survey Checks with other organisations and Individuals • Directors of Social services • Child protection officer • Specialist advisor (s) • Local Foster Care Association Tracking Individual welfare arrangements • Interview with children • Interview with foster carers • Interview with agency staff • Contact with parents • Contact with supervising social workers • Examination of files Individual interview with manager Information from provider Individual interviews with key staff Group discussion with staff Interview with panel chair Observation of foster carer training Observation of foster panel Inspection of policy/practice documents Inspection of records Interview with individual child

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Date of Inspection Time of Inspection Duration Of Inspection (hrs) West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 12 The following pages summarise the key findings and evidence from this inspection, together with the NCSC 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. West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 13

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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.

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Key Findings and Evidence Standard met?

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 14

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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.

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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.

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Key Findings and Evidence Standard met?

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 15

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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.

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Number of statutory notifications made to NCSC in last 12 months:

Death of a child placed with foster parents.

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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. Outbreak of serious infectious disease at a foster home. Actual or suspected involvement of a child in prostitution.

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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. Initiation of child protection enquiry involving a child.

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Standard 5 (5.1 - 5.4)

The fostering service is managed effectively and efficiently.

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Key Findings and Evidence Standard met?

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 16

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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 ensures that children and young people, and their families, are

provided with foster care services which value diversity and promote equality.

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Key Findings and Evidence Standard met?

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 17

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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.

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Key Findings and Evidence Standard met?

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 18

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

in decisions about her/his health needs.

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Key Findings and Evidence Standard met?

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 19

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

competence and knowledge necessary for adult living.

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Key Findings and Evidence Standard met?

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 20

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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.

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Key Findings and Evidence Standard met?

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 21

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Key Findings and Evidence Standard met?

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 22

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Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.5)

All staff are properly accountable and supported.

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Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

The fostering service has a clear strategy for working with and supporting carers.

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Key Findings and Evidence Standard met?

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 23

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Key Findings and Evidence Standard met?

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 24

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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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The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

relevant to the running of the foster care service and as required by regulations.

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Current weekly payments to foster parents: Minimum £ Maximum £

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 25

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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.

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Key Findings and Evidence Standard met?

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 26

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

in accordance with sound and appropriate accounting standards and practice.

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Key Findings and Evidence Standard met?

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 27

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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.

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Key Findings and Evidence Standard met?

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 28

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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.

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Key Findings and Evidence Standard met?

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 29

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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.

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Key Findings and Evidence Standard met?

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 30

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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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Key Findings and Evidence Standard met?

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 31

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Date

West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 32

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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 West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 33

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

Comments were received from the provider

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Action taken by the NCSC 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 NCSC 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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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 NCSC inspection reports are public documents. Reports on children’s homes are only obtainable on personal application to NCSC offices. West Sussex LA Fostering Service Page 34

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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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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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West Sussex LA Fostering Service / 24th November 2003

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

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West Sussex LA Fostering Service / 24th November 2003

Telephone: 020 7979 2000 Fax: 020 7979 2111

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West Sussex LA Fostering Service / 24th November 2003

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

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West Sussex LA Fostering Service / 24th November 2003

S0000041960.V115321.R02 © 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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West Sussex LA Fostering Service / 24th November 2003

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

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