Setting

Adoption Service

Family Placement Team 117 Poplar High Street London E14 0AE

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Adoption Service

14th February 2005 Local Authority Adoption 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. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 1

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Name of Local Authority

London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service

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Headquarters Address

Family Placement Team, 117 Poplar High Street, London, E14 0AE

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Fax No: Address

Family Placement Team, 117 Poplar High Street, London, E14 0AE

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service

London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 2 Date of Inspection Visit 14/15/16 February 2005 ID Code

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service

Time of Inspection Visit 10:00 am 14 th – 16.00pm 16 th

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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 Mr Jake Morgan London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 3

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D.3. Provider’s agreement

London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 4

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

Local authority adoption services are subject to inspection by CSCI, to establish if the service is meeting the National Minimum Standards for Local Authority Adoption Services and the requirements of the Care Standards Act 2000, the Adoption Act 1976 as amended, the Adoption Agencies Regulations 1983 as amended and the Local Authority Adoption Service (England) Regulations 2003.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

This document summarises the inspection findings of the CSCI in respect of London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service. The inspection findings relate to the National Minimum Standards for Local Authority Adoption Services published by the Secretary of State under sections 49 of the Care Standards Act 2000.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

The Adoption Agencies Regulations 1983 and the Local Authority Adoption Service (England) Regulations 2003 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 regarding notices to the local authority and reports to the Secretary of State under section 47 of the Care Standards Act 2000.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

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 regulatory framework with additional visits as required. This is in accordance with the provisions of the Care Standards Act 2000. The inspection methods used in the production of this report are set out in Part B. Pre- inspection information, and the manager’s written self-evaluation of the service, have also been taken into account. The report represents the inspector's findings from the evidence found at the specified inspection dates. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED.

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INSPECTION VISITS

The adoption services of the LB Tower Hamlets are constituted and governed by current legislation and the agency operates statutory services within current statutes. The authority provides facilities for both domestic adoptions and for those wishing to adopt children from overseas. Domestic adoption services are all arranged and managed by the agency whilst inter-country applications are contracted out to specialists in this area. The agency provides adoption support services for people who have been affected by adoption; this includes counselling and advice on a range of support services and other matters relating to adoption. The agency is managed within the social services department of the council and is subject to the responsibilities and scrutiny of elected members. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption 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.) The arrangements and preparation for this inspection were of a very good standard and everyone involved offered every assistance and courtesy to the inspection team. The facilities provided were comfortable and purposeful, and the organisation of the processes was particularly efficient. It was clear that the agency had taken the inspection seriously and endeavoured to ensure that the inspection team had access to all the necessary materials, personnel and information. Overall the agency was found to provide a service of a very good standard; in many areas there was clear evidence of excellent practice and a commitment to improvement. Some shortfalls were noted and discussed with managers during the inspection and highlighted during headline feedback.

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

The following summary is produced under the main headings of the National Minimum Standards (NMS).

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

Statement of Purpose. The one standard in this section was almost met.

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

The statement of purpose was, surprisingly, the weakest aspect of the agency’s material and documentation. Although the agency had a statement of purpose, it did not, however, include all the information required by the NMS and regulations. The information available to children looked after in general and children requiring adoption in particular, however, was of a very good standard.

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

Securing and promoting children’s welfare. The one standard in this section was exceeded.

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

The agency’s approach to effective matching and securing families to meet the diverse needs of the children in the community requiring adoption was impressive. The information and publicity material was of a very high standard, there was a demonstrably sensitive approach to ethnic, cultural and religious issues and the policies and practices of the agency were clearly designed to ensure that adopters were aware of the priorities of the agency and the need for placing children in the most appropriate families. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 7 Prospective and approved adopters. Of the four standards in this section, three were exceeded and one was almost met.

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

The information available to prospective adopters was of a very high standard. The agency website is informative and ‘user-friendly’ and the information pack and eligibility criteria are clear and unambiguous, as well as being attractively and professionally presented. The sophistication of the information was seen to be a significant aspect of the services’ dynamic approach to recruitment and informing of potential and prospective adopters. The preparation and assessments of prospective adopters was informative, enlightening and thorough. Adopters said that their preparation and assessment were undertaken in a skilled, competent and sensitive manner. The agency accepts CRB disclosures undertaken by other agencies; to ensure confidence in all its checks, it should undertake its own disclosure applications. Adopters said that they were well informed about the matching process and the responsibilities of the agency to ensure that outcomes for children were the motivating

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

priorities. Due rigour was applied to the process and it was clear that the needs of the children were central to all decisions made. An adoption support service was in its infancy at the time of the inspection but it was clear that there was a commitment to developing this aspect of the agency’s operations in a forward-thinking and dynamic direction. It had developed an adoption support plan format and set up an adoption support panel to agree packages of support. The service also includes a duty system that operates during and out of office hours. Life-story work was not undertaken as quickly as it should be.

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

Birth parents and birth families. Of the three standards in this section, one was met and two were almost met.

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

The agency, and children’s social workers, work as closely with birth parents as necessary and invite them to be involved in the planning for their children’s future, wherever possible. There were some inconsistencies found in respect of the production of life-story books for children but there as a clear commitment to improving this. Overall there appeared to be a positive approach to supporting birth parents; the adoption support team was developing different strategies, including an embryonic birth parent’s support group and arrangements were in place with a voluntary agency to provide independent support for birth families. There were some issues, however, that required attention in respect of the timing of providing support and in the recording of birth parents views about what is written about them.

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

Adoption Panels and Agency decisions. The four standards in this section were all met.

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

There were clear and effective policies and procedures in place to inform the adoption panel of its remit, duties and responsibilities and it was clear that the panel adhered to these and functioned in a way that demonstrated thoroughness and rigour. Applicants to adopt are always invited to attend the panel. The membership of the panel was suitably constituted to provide an informed and thorough approach to considering the business brought before it. The panel has had no difficulties forming a quorum in recent times and members were conscientious about their attendance. The overall functioning of the panel was enabled by an efficient approach to organisation and administration. The decision-making was noted as being thorough and informed by rigorous attention to detail in the information provided.

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

Fitness to provide or manage an agency. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 8 Of the two standards in this section, one was exceeded and one was met.

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

The managers responsible for the adoption agency were all highly experienced in children’s matters in general and adoption matters in particular. Both senior and middle managers demonstrated significant knowledge and understanding of the adoption process and its importance in meeting the needs of children and, equally importantly, their personal commitment to motivating adoption to be an equal partner in children’s services. The manager of the agency had an enhanced CRB disclosure.

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

Provision and management of the adoption agency. Of the three standards in this section one was exceeded and two were met.

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

The structural and operational management of the agency was coherent and the lines of accountability and communication were clear. There were clear systems, policies and procedures in place to monitor the operation and performance of the service. Overall the agency was committed to quality management through adherence to its own procedures and personal, managerial commitment to ensuring the service was run to a high standard. There is a strong commitment to corporate parenting through the interest and responsibility taken by elected members (the corporate parenting scrutiny group operates independently of social services) . The legal adviser regularly attends the adoption panel and the medical adviser is a member. As well as providing a detailed service to the panel both advisers offer specialist input to the team.

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

Employment and management of staff. Of the five standards in this section, three were met and two were exceeded.

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

The department had a robust recruitment and selection policy and procedure. All social workers in the service were very experienced and suitably qualified; some had social work qualifications at degree or post-graduate level. It was clear that all workers were sufficiently aware of the expectations of adoption work and were fully conversant with the legal dimensions of children’s services in general and adoption work in particular. The operational management of the service and general infrastructure, under the leadership of the team manager, was well organised and efficient. The allocation of work, workload management and support were realistically structured and equitable. The agency is suitably resourced to undertake the range of work for which it is responsible. The department has systems in place to recruit and retain staff and the council has been awarded Beacon Status for supporting the social care workforce. Employment practices, staff care and welfare, and

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

flexible working arrangements all contribute to demonstrating that the council is a fair and balanced employer. The agency had an impressive staff training record: the training programme demonstrated a full and coherent approach to staff development and the courses that have been made available and attended were wide and varied. The training was a diverse mix of general issues and job specific courses and their relevance to the work of the agency demonstrated a high level of commitment to the development of the workforce.

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

Records. Of the four standards in this section, three were met and one was almost met.

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

The record keeping, file maintenance and security were all of a good standard and London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 9 underpinned by a clear policy and procedure. Adopters’ case files were well ordered and contained all relevant information and children’s files were similarly well kept. Security and safety was of a high standard; the location of the files – in a dedicated, secure area – minimised the risk of damage from fire and water. There are clear arrangements and procedures in place to ensure that relevant information is made to partner agencies to effect the efficient approach to linking and matching children with suitable adopters. There is a clear and robust procedure in place that covers all matters of case recording, format, security and access. Auditing is carried out but better evidence would improve matters. In the main, staff files were of a good standard and in most cases had most of the required

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

information, as were those in respect of panel members. There were some omissions that the agency must address.

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

Fitness of premises. The one standard in this section was met.

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

The premises used by the agency were of a good standard and the building is appropriately secure and all realistic precautions are taken to ensure the security and safety of records held there. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 10 Reports and Notifications to the Local Authority and Secretary of State

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

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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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

NA Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(3) of the Care Standards Act 2000 that the Commission considers the Local Authority's adoption service satisfies the regulatory requirements:

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

NA Notice to the Local Authority under section 47(5) of the Care Standards Act 2000 of failure(s) to satisfy regulatory requirements in their adoption 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:

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

NA Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(4)(a) of the Care Standards Act 2000 of a failure by a Local Authority adoption service to satisfy regulatory requirements which is not considered substantial:

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INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY

NA 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 adoption service:

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The grounds for the above Report or Notice are:

London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 11

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(Not relevant at first CSCI inspection)

Requirements from last Inspection visit fully actioned? NA

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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, the Adoption Agencies Regulations 1983 and the Local Authority Adoption Service (England) Regulations 2003. 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. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 12

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS IDENTIFIED DURING THIS INSPECTION

Action Plan: The appropriate officer of the Local Authority is requested to provide the Commission with an action plan, which indicates how requirements are to be addressed. This action plan is shown in Part D of this report.

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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 Adoption Act 1976, the Adoption Agencies Regulations 1983, the Local Authority Adoption Service (England) Regulations 2003 or the National Minimum Standards for Local Authority Adoption Services. The Authority is required to comply within the given time scales in order to comply with the Regulatory Requirements for adoption services. No. Regulation Standard * Requirement Timescale for action

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Reg 2 (2003) LA1 The agency must ensure that the statement of purpose includes all information required by regulations. 01/06/05

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Reg 11 (2003) LA28 Staff records must include all required information. 01/06/05

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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

1 LA6 The agency should endeavour to ensure that life-story books are compiled and provided for adopters as soon as possible.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

2 LA7 The agency should have a clearer strategy in respect of when independent support is provided to birth parents and in the recording of their views about what is written about them.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

3 LA8 The collection of information for life story work should commence as soon as possible following a child becoming looked-after.

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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. LA10 refers to Standard 10. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 13

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

The following inspection methods have been used in the production of this report

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Placing authority survey YES Placing social worker survey YES Prospective adopter survey YES Approved adopter survey YES Birth parent / birth family member survey YES Checks with other organisations and Individuals • Directors of Social services NO • Specialist advisor (s) YES Tracking Individual welfare arrangements YES • Interview with children YES • Interview with adopters and prospective adopters YES • Interview with birth parents YES • Interview with birth family members YES • 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 adoption panel YES Inspection of policy/practice documents YES Inspection of records (personnel, adopter, child, complaints, allegations) YES

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Date of Inspection 14/02/05 Time of Inspection 09.00 Duration Of Inspection (hrs) 56 Number of Inspector days 6 Additional Inspection Questions: Certificate of Registration was displayed at time of inspection YES The certificate of registration accurately reflected the situation in the service at the time of inspection YES

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Total Number of staff employed (excluding managers) 16 London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service 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 on this occasion. “X” is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 15

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The intended outcome for the following standard is:

• There is clear written statement of the aims and objectives of the adoption

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There is a clear written statement of the aims and objectives of the adoption agency

which describes accurately what facilities and services they provide. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The statement of purpose was, surprisingly, the weakest aspect of the agency’s material and documentation. Although the agency had a comprehensive statement of purpose that provided some information about its work and objectives - and included information about the borough in general, it did not, however, include all the information required by the NMS and regulations. There was no information, for instance, on the experience and qualifications of the adoption staff team, systems for monitoring and evaluation, and recruitment and assessment procedures; neither did it have the address of the agency. The statement did, nevertheless, indicate the timescales that it aspires to work to in relation to the assessment of adopters, matching children and decision-making. The department provided very comprehensive information for children looked after in the

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There is a clear written statement of the aims and objectives of the adoption agency

form of a ‘LACFAX’, which is a loose-leaf ‘filofax’ type of document that enables children to be informed about their status and rights as looked after children. In addition, the agency had produced a simple but informative guide to adoption that is easily understood and which gives clear information about the agency’s approach to adoption and what children can expect throughout the process.

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executive side of the council?

Is there a children’s guide to adoption? YES

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information required by Standard 1.4?

YES London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 16

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• The needs and wishes, welfare and safety of the child are at the centre of the adoption process.

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effective strategies to recruit sufficient adopters to meet the needs of the range of

children waiting for adoption locally. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 The agency’s approach to effective matching and securing families to meet the diverse needs of the children in the community requiring adoption was impressive. The appointment of a dedicated recruitment and publicity officer had brought a dynamic and focused approach to bringing the services of the agency to the attention of the community and the subsequent positive response that this brought in terms of people wishing to adopt. The information and publicity material was of a very high standard and had been developed to create a ‘branded’ image of the agency; it demonstrated a clear approach to recruiting suitable adopters to meet the needs of the children in the borough and focused on the importance of meeting the needs of a very diverse population. There was a demonstrably sensitive approach to ethnic, cultural and religious issues that was understood and

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effective strategies to recruit sufficient adopters to meet the needs of the range of

appreciated by adopters and prospective adopters. The agency used a range of media and materials to effect appropriate matching; for instance, professionally made DVDs to promote the agency and its requirements, videos of children in foster placements (prepared, in some cases with the direct involvement of children) and documentation of a particularly sophisticated nature. The policies and practices of the agency were clearly designed to ensure that adopters were aware of the priorities of the agency and the need for placing children in the most appropriate families.

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In the last 12 months:

How many children were identified as needing adoptive families? 37 How many children were matched with adopters? 10 How many children were placed with the service’s own adopters? 18 How many children were placed with other services’ adopters? 12 How many children were referred to the Adoption Register? 4

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adopters does this represent?

100 % How many sibling groups were matched in the last 12 months? 4

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waiting for a match to be identified?

London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 17

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• The adoption agency recruits and supports sufficient adopters from

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diverse backgrounds, who can offer children a stable and permanent home

to achieve a successful and lasting placement.

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about the preparation, assessment and approval procedure and that they will be

treated fairly, openly and with respect throughout the adoption process. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 As already outlined in standard 2, above, the information available to prospective adopters was of a very high standard. The agency website is informative and ‘user-friendly’, the information pack and eligibility criteria are clear and unambiguous, as well as being attractively and professionally presented and the details contained in all the material clearly promotes the needs and requirements of the agency. The sophistication of the information was seen to be a significant aspect of the services’ dynamic approach to recruitment and informing of potential and prospective adopters. The information pack was developed using focus groups of existing adopters and foster carers. In addition, the dedicated publicity officer used a wide range of media outlets to bring information about the agency to the

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about the preparation, assessment and approval procedure and that they will be

public, including local radio and editorials in local publications. She also evaluated the response from recruitment campaigns. The agency’s approach to diversity was demonstrably evident in the information pack and clearly showed a commitment to welcoming people from all parts of the community, of any race, culture, religion, marital status or sexual orientation. Adopters said that their initial enquiries were responded to courteously and speedily and that the information with which they were provided was clear and enabled them to understand the priorities of the service and the processes of preparation and assessment. The response from adopters’ questionnaires was, in the main, very complementary. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 18

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Prospective adopters are involved in a formal, thorough and comprehensive

assessment, preparation and approval process. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 The agency runs preparation groups at intervals that are sufficient to ensure that there is the minimum of delay in assessing prospective adopters. The information provided and responses from adopters showed a thorough and enlightening approach to preparation with people feeling that they were thoroughly equipped to understand the complexities and subtleties of adoption and the processes necessary to achieve desired outcomes for children. The quality of the assessments was noted of being of a high standard; Forms F were thorough in their analysis of prospective adopters, the quality control systems ensured detailed checks on the assessments undertaken and the adoption panel was robust in ensuring that only appropriate applicants were recruited. Adopters said that the assessments were undertaken in a thorough, detailed yet sensitive

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Prospective adopters are involved in a formal, thorough and comprehensive

way by skilled and competent professionals and that they felt confident that their applications were handled in the most appropriate manner. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 19

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introduction and placement process, as well as any support to facilitate this they may

need. This will include the role of the Adoption Register for England and Wales. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 The matching of children with adopters who could best meet their needs was of a good standard. Due rigour was applied to the process and it was clear that the needs of the children were central to all decisions made. There were good working relationships between adoption service workers and children’s social workers that enabled the exchange of details and information to be executed in an efficient manner. Adopters said that they were well informed about the matching process and the responsibilities of the agency to ensure that outcomes for children were the motivating priorities and of the need to provide details about themselves to enable effective matching to be achieved. Matching reports were of a good standard and there was clarity in the way that agreements regarding contact and notifications about children were recorded.

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introduction and placement process, as well as any support to facilitate this they may

As already noted in standard 2 (above) the agency uses a range of media to bring information to the notice of adopters and children; the use of videos to portray children in their foster homes, for instance, was a practice that added value to the whole process.

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Adoption Register?

YES London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 20

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Adoptive parents are helped and supported to provide stable and permanent homes

for the children placed with them. Key findings and evidence Standard met? 2 An adoption support service was in its infancy at the time of the inspection but it was clear that there was a commitment to developing this aspect of the agency’s operations in a forward-thinking and dynamic direction. It had developed an adoption support plan format and set up an adoption support panel to agree packages of support; it was hoped that an approved adopter would become a member of this. An adopters’ support group had been set up (following the canvassing of approved adopters) and there is also a birth parents support group. There is also an adopters support newsletter and the team has also written a general leaflet about available support services. In addition to direct support services provided by the agency there is also a service level agreement with a voluntary adoption support agency. The service also includes a duty system that operates during and out of office hours.

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Adoptive parents are helped and supported to provide stable and permanent homes

In general, therefore, it was found that there is a progressive outlook for adoption support services, with much positive work already in progress. However, there were some instances noted of life-story work not being completed in a timely way and later-life letters not being compiled. It is important for adopters to be able to help children understand their situation and heritage to have such information as early as possible.

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Adoptive parents are helped and supported to provide stable and permanent homes

Number of adopter applications started in the last 12 months 25

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Adoptive parents are helped and supported to provide stable and permanent homes

Number of adopters approved in the last 12 months 26

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last 12 months

Number of adopters approved but not matched 14

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last 12 months

Number of adopters referred to the Adoption Register 10

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and adoption, in the last 12 months?

London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 21

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• Birth parents are entitled to services that recognise the lifelong

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implications of adoption. They will be treated fairly, openly and with

respect throughout the adoption process.

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Standard 7 (7.1 – 7.5)

The service to birth parents recognises the lifelong implications of adoption. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The agency, and children’s social workers, work as closely with birth parents as necessary and invite them to be involved in the planning for their children’s future, wherever possible. There was some confusion, however, amongst children’s social workers regarding the timing of the provision of independent support: it did not appear clear at what point such services were brought to the attention of birth parents and this left social workers providing the support themselves. There needs to be greater clarity regarding when independent support is provided so that social workers fully understand their role and responsibilities and birth families can fell confident that there are facilities available at the appropriate times. Although there was appropriate information about birth parents in Forms E and Matching

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Standard 7 (7.1 – 7.5)

Reports, there was no evidence to demonstrate that they had been asked to comment on what was written about them; whilst it is understood that there will be instances of birth parents being in conflict with the service, it should, nevertheless, be recorded that their views had been sought.

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Birth parents and birth families are enabled to contribute to the maintenance of their

child’s heritage. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 As already indicated in this report, there were inconsistencies found in respect of the production of life-story books for children. Although children’s social workers said that they were keen about and committed to this aspect of adoption work – and the agency social workers commitment to providing guidance and assistance – there were instances of life- story work being late in production or late in starting. It is essential that the gathering of relevant information starts as soon as a child becomes looked after to ensure that all necessary details are collected. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 22

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includes providing information about local and national support groups and services

and helping birth parents to fulfil agreed plans for contact. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Overall there appeared to be a positive approach to supporting birth parents; the adoption support team was developing different strategies, including an embryonic birth parent’s support group and arrangements were in place with a voluntary agency to provide independent support for birth families. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 23

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• Each adoption agency has an adoption panel which is organised efficiently

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children suitable for adoption, the suitability of prospective adopters and

the matching of children and approved adopters.

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children suitable for adoption, the suitability of prospective adopters and

• The adoption agency’s decisions are made to promote and safeguard the welfare of children.

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Adoption panels have clear written policies and procedures about the handling of

their functions and ensure that they are implemented. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There were clear and effective policies and procedures in place to inform the adoption panel of its remit, duties and responsibilities and it was clear that the panel adhered to these and functioned in a way that demonstrated thoroughness and rigour. Managers were clear about the functions of the panel and their responsibilities in ensuring that it provided a satisfactory service to the children of the borough. Applicants to adopt are always invited to attend the panel and feedback received demonstrated that they were pleased with the way they were welcomed and given the opportunity to be heard. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 24

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from overseas and seeks advice, when necessary, on the laws and eligibility criteria

for the overseas country. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The membership of the panel was suitably constituted to provide an informed and thorough approach to considering the business brought before it. Senior managers (Decision-maker) are actively involved in the recruitment of the chairperson of the panel and due care is taken with recruitment of members; the chairperson is involved in recruitment and always ensures that new members are equipped to take up their duties through induction and the observation of at least one panel. The chairperson ensured that the panel was conducted with appropriate diligence and that the members were given every opportunity to ask questions and give views on the matters before them. The panel has had no difficulties forming a quorum in recent times and members were conscientious about their attendance. The panel has an active role in quality assurance and the chairperson has direct access to

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from overseas and seeks advice, when necessary, on the laws and eligibility criteria

the decision-maker if there are serious concerns about the material brought before the panel. It also monitors the position of children who have been the subject of a best interest decision and no placement has been made.

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from overseas and seeks advice, when necessary, on the laws and eligibility criteria

Is the panel a joint panel with other local authorities? NO

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to avoid delays in the consideration of prospective adopters and matching children

and adopters. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The overall functioning of the panel was enabled by an efficient approach to organisation and administration. This and the skills and capabilities of the chairperson provided clear evidence of a well-organised and proficient aspect of the agency’s work. The minutes of the panel were full and informative and written in a way that provided the decision-maker with appropriate and necessary detail about both the conclusions reached and the manner in which the panel reached them. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 25

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recommendation of the adoption panel and promotes and safeguards the welfare of

the child. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The decision-maker was very experienced in this aspect of work and brought a knowledgeable and informed dimension to the whole process. He is provided with all relevant information at the same time as the panel members and receives the recommendations of the panel very soon after the event. The decision-making was noted as being thorough and informed by rigorous attention to detail in the information provided for him. Decisions are made in a timely way and adopters confirmed that they were satisfied with the speed of the process. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 26

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• The adoption agency is provided and managed by those with the appropriate

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The people involved in carrying on and managing the adoption agency:

• possess the necessary knowledge and experience of child care and

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adoption law and practice and

• have management skills and financial expertise to manage the work

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efficiently and effectively and

• ensure that it is run on a sound financial basis and in a professional manner. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 The managers responsible for the adoption agency were all highly experienced in children’s matters in general and adoption matters in particular. Both senior and middle managers demonstrated significant knowledge and understanding of the adoption process and its importance in meeting the needs of children and, equally importantly, their personal commitment to motivating adoption to be an equal partner in children’s services. The agency has a particularly robust approach to management training and it was evident that such training resources are accessed routinely at all levels in the organisation. The service manager for the agency was undertaking a Masters in Public Administration (MPA). The leadership of the agency was of a particularly high standard with a clear strategic view

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efficiently and effectively and

in place and a commitment to enabling day-to-day practice to develop to the highest possible standards. The job description for the manager is clear and documents the range of responsibilities for which he is accountable. .

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of working in a childcare setting in last 5 years?

YES London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 27

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voluntary organisation or business concerned with safeguarding and promoting the

welfare of children. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The manager of the agency had an enhanced CRB disclosure and there were systems in place to repeat this every three years. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 28

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• The adoption agency is organised and managed efficiently, delivering a good quality service and avoiding confusion and conflicts of role.

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Standard 16 (16.1 – 16.7)

The adoption agency is managed effectively and efficiently. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The structural and operational management of the agency was coherent and the lines of accountability and communication were clear. It was evident that the adoption service had evolved to its current high standards through a clear strategic management input; the day-to- day operational work of the agency was well-coordinated and subject to continuous quality monitoring. Senior managers take responsibility for spot checks/audits of case files, which, although viewed with some concern when first initiated, are now seen as routine aspects of quality management.

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

adoption agency and ensuring quality performance. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 There were clear systems, policies and procedures in place to monitor the operation and performance of the service. Overall the agency was committed to quality management through adherence to its own procedures and personal, managerial commitment to ensuring the service was run to a high standard. The department has recently initiated the publication, on a six-monthly basis, of an adoption performance overview report; this is presented to the cabinet of the council. The lead member also meets monthly with senior managers to monitor the performance of the service. As indicated in the previous standard, senior managers undertake their own, unannounced, checks on case files in addition to the formal systems in place. There is a strong commitment to corporate parenting through the interest and responsibility taken by elected members (the corporate parenting scrutiny group

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

operates independently of social services) and the lead member had recently received an award as ‘Councillor of the Year for Contribution to Improving Children’s Services’.

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Less than Quarterly?

London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 29

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The adoption agency has access to specialist advisers and services appropriate to its

needs. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The legal adviser regularly attends the adoption panel and the medical adviser is a member. As well as providing a detailed service to the panel both advisers offer specialist input to the team and are used frequently to enable decisions and planning to be effected. Both are fully qualified and the agency has a satisfactory policy on the use of specialist advisers and their roles. There was a CAMHS adviser who works within the team; this worker is an asset to the overall specialist input that is available to enable workers to have ready access to advice and information. The agency has an arrangement with the overseas adoption helpline for specialist advice and training in respect of inter-country adopters. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 30

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• The people who work in the adoption agency are suitable to work with children

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Anyone working in or for the adoption agency are suitable to work with children and

young people and to safeguard and promote their welfare. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The department had a robust recruitment and selection policy and procedure. All social workers in the service were very experienced and suitably qualified; some had social work qualifications at degree or post-graduate level. Although all workers had an up to date CRB disclosure, some had been checked by other agencies and this was general practice in the department. It is the view of the Commission that CRB disclosures are not ‘portable’ and the agency should, therefore, undertake its own for all staff working for the purposes of adoption. It was clear that all workers were sufficiently aware of the expectations of adoption work and were fully conversant with the legal dimensions of children’s services in general and adoption work in particular; they were able to demonstrate their knowledge of current

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Anyone working in or for the adoption agency are suitable to work with children and

thinking and were fully aware of the issues surrounding diversity and anti-discriminatory practice. The quality of Form F reports demonstrated their skills and thoroughness in assessing prospective adopters; responses to questionnaires were positive in their views about the quality of social workers’ assessments and the sensitivity with which they were carried out.

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equivalent?

What % of the adoption service’s social workers have a PQ award? 33 % London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 31

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

service. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The operational management of the service and general infrastructure, under the leadership of the team manager, was well organised and efficient. The allocation of work, workload management and support were realistically structured, equitable and focused on running and maintaining an efficient service. All workers received formal supervision and records demonstrated a thorough approach to case management and monitoring. Social workers were happy with the level of support and management in place and felt that their workloads were realistically allocated; all felt that the management culture in the agency was enabling and supportive and that they had recourse to all levels in the organisation and that they had a ‘voice’ and were taken seriously. The agency has a commendable approach to staff training and development that managers encourage and enable workers to gain access to; staff members were particularly impressed

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

by the range and availability of training opportunities.

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the needs of the adoption agency and they are appropriately supported and assisted

in providing a service. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The agency is suitably resourced to undertake the range of work for which it is responsible. There is a well qualified and experienced team undertaking adoption duties and they are generally well supported by administrative staff; any shortfalls in staffing are filled by the use of appropriately qualified and experienced sessional workers or agency staff. Following the restructuring of the agency a few months ago the team was increased by four social workers, which added to the overall ability of the service to be more efficient. The support systems in place, as indicated previously, were well established and all workers are subject to an annual appraisal. The department has systems in place to recruit and retain staff – which has been very successful – and the council has been awarded Beacon Status for supporting the social care workforce.

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Number of social work posts vacant

In the adoption service. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 32

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The adoption agency is a fair and competent employer, with sound employment

practices and good support for its staff. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 As indicated in the previous standard, the council has Beacon status for supporting the social care workforce. It was evident from speaking with staff that they felt they worked for a good employer, both in terms of conditions of service and salaries, and general staff care and support. Employment practices, staff care and welfare, and flexible working arrangements all contribute to demonstrating that the council is a fair and balanced employer.

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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? 4 The agency had an impressive staff training record: the training programme demonstrated a full and coherent approach to staff development and the courses that have been made available and attended were wide and varied (and very relevant). The training was a diverse mix of general issues (Introduction to Conflict Resolution, Disability Awareness etc) and job specific courses which included:- Improving the Assessment of Carers - Research; Preparation for Court Proceedings; Attachment Training for Assessing Social Workers; Genograms and Permanency Planning. In addition the team has had away-days and all who undertake PQ awards have ten days study leave every year. As indicated earlier in this report, managers are encouraged to undertake management training and resources are available for this. Overall, the training opportunities, which are evaluated through supervision and annual

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

appraisals, were of a very high standard; this, and the fact that the courses available were directly relevant to – or complemented – the service demonstrated a high level of commitment to the development of the workforce. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 33

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• All appropriate records are maintained securely, kept and are accessible when required.

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maintained for each child, prospective and approved adopter with whom the agency

has worked. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The record keeping, file maintenance and security were all of a good standard and underpinned by a clear policy and procedure. Adopters’ case files were well ordered and contained all relevant information. Case recording and details of assessment visits were of a particularly good standard and the inclusion of supervision records ensured that it was easy to track and understand the progress of any particular case. Children’s files (family finding files) are not compiled as Adoption Files but the information contained in them was relevant and appropriate; the agency may wish to review its practice in terms of how it approaches the setting up of these files to ensure that they always adhere to the legislative requirements of the 1983 regulations. This is offered as advice rather than a recommendation. Confidentiality and access to records was covered by the departmental policies and it was

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maintained for each child, prospective and approved adopter with whom the agency

clear that everyone understood the importance of this. Security and safety was of a high standard; the location of the files – in a dedicated, secure area – minimised the risk of damage from fire and water. The department has a contract with a private company for archives but this was not inspected on this occasion.

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way, to other adoption agencies and local authorities with whom it is working to effect

the placement of a child. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There are clear arrangements and procedures in place to ensure that relevant information is made to partner agencies to effect the efficient approach to linking and matching children with suitable adopters. All precautions in respect of security and confidentiality are in place and maintained. Access to adoption information is only granted after a request is made in writing and the inquirer has produced photographic identification. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 34

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confidentiality and contents of files, including secure storage and access to case files

in line with regulations. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There is a clear and robust procedure in place that covers all matters of case recording, format, security and access. There is a system of monitoring and auditing in place, with the additional quality monitoring undertaken by senior managers on a ‘spot-check’ basis. It was not possible in all cases, however, to find evidence of this in the case files – the auditing results being located elsewhere. It would enable managers to keep abreast of file management and quality of files if there were a simple checklist of what had been audited kept on the files.

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Up-to-date, comprehensive personnel files are maintained for each member of staff

and member of the adoption panel. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 In the main, staff files were of a good standard and in most cases had most of the required information. Issues that the human resources section needs to address are in respect of ensuring that the practice of verifying written references by telephone is incorporated into selection procedures and that all files contain an up to date photograph of the worker – a photocopy of a passport or driving licence is insufficient and the practice of accepting CRB clearances from other agencies should cease. Files in respect of panel members were well ordered and contained most of the required information; missing details are the same as for staff files. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 35

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The intended outcome for the following standard is:

• The premises used by the adoption agency are suitable for the purpose.

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Standard 29 (29.1 – 29.5)

Premises used by the adoption agency are appropriate for the purpose. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The premises used by the agency were of a good standard and provided, in the main, a comfortable working environment for the staff – although there were some issues of space, alternative arrangements were already planned. They are located in an area that is easy to access and are open during normal office hours for those who have legitimate business with the agency. The manager of the service works at a location elsewhere in the borough, which is also easily accessible, although car parking is a problem. The building is appropriately secure and all realistic precautions are taken to ensure the security and safety of records held there. The council has a disaster recovery plan that ensures the safety of electronic records. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 36

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Date

London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 37

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D.1 Local authority manager’s comments/confirmation relating to the content and

accuracy of the report for the above inspection.

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D.1 Local authority manager’s comments/confirmation relating to the content and

We would welcome comments on the content of this report relating to the Inspection conducted on 14 th February 2005 and any factual inaccuracies:

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D.1 Local authority manager’s comments/confirmation relating to the content and

Please limit your comments to one side of A4 if possible London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 38

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

Amendments to the report were necessary YES

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

Comments were received from the provider YES

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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 YES

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

YES 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 local authority adoption 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 YES

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report:

Action plan covers all the statutory requirements in a timely fashion YES

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report:

Action plan did not cover all the statutory requirements and required further discussion NO

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report:

Provider has declined to provide an action plan NO

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Public reports

It should be noted that all CSCI inspection reports are public documents. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service Page 39

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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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London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service / 14th February 2005

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

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London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service / 14th February 2005

Telephone: 020 7979 2000 Fax: 020 7979 2111

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London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service / 14th February 2005

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

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London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service / 14th February 2005

S0000061617.V200548.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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London Borough of Tower Hamlets Adoption Service / 14th February 2005

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

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