Setting

X10029.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 FOSTERING SERVICE

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Lead Inspector Janet Manders Announced Inspection 30th May 2006 09:30 Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to:

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• Put the people who use social care first • Improve services and stamp out bad practice • Be an expert voice on social care • Practise what we preach in our own organisation

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Reader Information Document Purpose Inspection Report Author CSCI Audience General Public Further copies from 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Internet address www.csci.org.uk Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Fostering Services. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

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Every Child Matters, outlined the government’s vision for children’s services and formed the basis of the Children Act 2004. It provides a framework for inspection so that children’s services should be judged on their contribution to the outcomes considered essential to wellbeing in childhood and later life. Those outcomes are: • Being healthy • Staying safe • Enjoying and achieving • Making a contribution; and • Achieving economic wellbeing.

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In response, the Commission for Social Care Inspection has re-ordered the national minimum standards for children’s services under the five outcomes, for reporting purposes. A further section has been created under ‘Management’ to cover those issues that will potentially impact on all the outcomes above.

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Copies of Every Child Matters and The Children Act 2004 are available from The Stationery Office as above This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4

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Name of service

Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service

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Name of service

Address The Mount 1 Haygate Road Wellington Telford Shropshire TF1 1QX Telephone number 01952 641641

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manager (if applicable)

Type of registration Local Auth Fostering Service Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5

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Brief Description of the Service:

The Borough of Telford and Wrekin provide a fostering service as part of the range of family based care for children and young people who need to spend some time away from their family of birth. The Family Placement Team is based in Wellington and undertakes the recruitment, assessment, support and training of foster carers and aim to make appropriate matches between the assessed needs of children and the skills of the foster carers. The Statement of Purpose indicates that the Borough of Telford and Wrekin fostering service offers a range of different types of fostering. A Part-time Fostering Scheme offer short breaks for children at times of family crisis and a Shared Care Scheme allows short breaks for children with disabilities. Short Term Foster Care is provided where children are unable to live with their family at the time they are placed but where the plan is to rehabilitate the children, the Service

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Brief Description of the Service:

also provides permanent substitute families for children unable to return to their families. They also provide day care support with a foster carer where this will support the child's parent and prevent reception into care or where such support would assist the child's full time foster carer in the fostering task. Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6

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SUMMARY

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

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SUMMARY

This inspection was undertaken over a period of 7 days by 2 inspectors, requiring a total of 10 inspector days to complete the inspection. 6 foster carers were visited in their homes by inspectors, when the inspectors also had the opportunity to meet with the young people in placement. In addition to these visits, carer’s files were viewed, as were those of the young people placed with the foster carers and interviews with the supervising social workers. In addition inspectors met with a group of placing social workers and other relevant staff and managers within the Fostering Service. Questionnaires were also sent to all foster carers, young people, aged 8+, placed with foster carers by the Authority and their placing social workers.

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What the service does well:

The young people’s health needs are well met by the foster carers, as are young people’s educational needs.

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What the service does well:

The duty system now being offered by the Fostering Service has led to an improvement in the information available regarding young people needing placement, foster carers who could offer potential placements and their skills.

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What the service does well:

Foster carers are well supported and the level of supervision provided by supervising social workers ensures good communication between the foster carer and their supervising social worker.

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What the service does well:

The Fostering Service offers a comprehensive service to kinship foster carers and the inspectors found that at this inspection the relevant standard had been exceeded.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

There has been an improvement in the Fostering Service since the last inspection, with most improvement having been made since inspectors undertook an additional visit in January 2006. Inspectors believe that this improvement has been achieved due to a co-ordinated approach at a corporate level. It is hoped that this will be maintained to further improve the Fostering Service.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Young people now have access to therapeutic support due to the secondment of 2 workers from the CAMHS service to the Corporate Parenting team and there has been improvement to the support received by those young people who require support from the 16+ team to enable them to move successfully into independent living. Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 Improvements have been made to ensuring young people are kept safe with the completion of risk assessments and improved matching of young people with the skills of foster carers. The composition and functioning of the Fostering Panel also provides additional safeguards to young people. There have also been improvements to the recruitment process and the organisation of personnel files.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The training officer has developed a programme of training, which identifies 9 core modules, which have to be completed by all foster carers over a three year period to ensure that they have the skills to meet the needs of the young people.

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What they could do better:

Whilst there has been an improvement in the Foster Placement Agreement used by the Fostering Service, there is a need for these to be amended to ensure that all required information is completed to ensure that a young person’s needs are identified and that it is clear how these needs will be met. It is imperative that all Looked After Young People have an allocated, social worker.

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What they could do better:

The Fostering Service must continue to recruit new carers as well as retaining existing carers, including recruiting foster carers from a diverse background to ensure that young people’s cultural, religious and ethnic needs are met.

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What they could do better:

Further improvements must be made in the recruitment and checking of staff to ensure that young people are appropriately safeguarded.

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What they could do better:

The Fostering Service must ensure that the assessment and review of foster carers is a robust and meaningful process, that ensures that foster carers have the appropriate skills and support to meet the needs of the young people placed with them.

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What they could do better:

The Fostering Service must ensure that there are systems in place for them to effectively monitor the service and that the foster carer’s and young people’s register is compliant with the Fostering Services Regulations 2002.

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What they could do better:

Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8

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CONTENTS

Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9

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The intended outcome for this Standard is:

• The fostering service promotes the health and development of children.(NMS 12)

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The Commission considers Standard 12 the key standard to be

inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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12

Quality in this outcome area is adequate . This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Young people’s health needs are well met by foster carers and carers receive appropriate information, training and guidance to meet young people’s health needs. However, the delegation of consent for treatment must be accurately completed to ensure that young people are appropriately cared for.

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EVIDENCE:

All young people seen as part of the inspection had received regular health check ups and it was clear that foster carers saw meeting young people’s health needs as a high priority. The Fostering Service has introduced, in conjunction with the Looked After Nurse, a Health Plan format for young people placed with foster carers, once this is in use and is fully developed it will assist foster carers to more easily meet the needs of the young people.

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EVIDENCE:

It was encouraging to note at this inspection that young people now have greater access to therapeutic support, as 2 therapists from the CAMHS team have been seconded to the Corporate Parenting Team, to provide support to young people and foster carers. Inspectors were informed that this work is proving very beneficial.

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EVIDENCE:

The Fostering Service has updated the Foster Placement Agreement and this now contains a considerable amount of information regarding a young person’s health needs when fully completed. Foster carers commented to inspectors that they felt they had received appropriate information regarding the young people’s health prior to or at the time of the young person’s placement. There was evidence that the Service had made some improvement in ensuring that appropriate consent for medical treatment had been obtained, however, there is a need for social workers to understand the need for completing the Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 delegation of consent to foster carers where this is appropriate. This section of the Foster Placement Agreement or the previously used Placement Plan Part 1 had rarely been completed correctly. In one case the parent had delegated

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EVIDENCE:

consent to himself and in another case the social worker had delegated the consent to the hospital and the GP practice. In addition the Fostering Service must develop a policy regarding how it assesses whether a young person is Gillick competent, as at the present time it is viewed that once a young person has reached 16 years of age they can give their consent. Inspectors visited one young person where this was not and would not be appropriate. Inspectors were informed in January 2006 when they undertook an additional visit that a medical booklet was being drafted but the Fostering Service was awaiting agreement from the legal department before it is introduced. Unfortunately, this booklet has still not been introduced.

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EVIDENCE:

As previously stated the Foster Placement Agreement has been updated but it does not include consent for first aid treatment or the administration of homely remedies or non-prescribed medication. Foster carers complete child accident and illness sheets and these are forwarded to the supervising social worker to allow this area to be monitored.

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EVIDENCE:

The training officer has developed a training schedule, which covers first aid training, infection control and healthy care. These are all seen as mandatory courses and therefore foster carers are expected to complete this training within a 3 year period. The training officer had developed a matrix of foster carers to record which training they have undertaken to enable her to monitor compliance with this requirement. Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• Any persons carrying on or managing the service are suitable. (NMS 3) • The fostering service provides suitable foster carers.(NMS 6) • The service matches children to carers appropriately.(NMS 8) • The fostering service protects each child or young person from abuse and neglect.(NMS 9) • The people who work in or for the fostering service are suitable to work with children and young people.(NMS 15) • Fostering panels are organised efficiently and effectively.(NMS 30)

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The Commission considers Standards 3, 6, 8, 9, 15 and 30 the key

standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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3, 6, 8, 9, 15 and 30

Quality in this outcome area is adequate . This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The Fostering Service endeavours to keep young people safe and has improved its assessment processes to ensure that young people are appropriately cared for however, gaps in respect of recruitment practices and lack of matching may put young people at risk.

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EVIDENCE:

Appropriate checks had been sought in respect of the Nominated Manager upon her appointment, however, due to difficulties in obtaining a reference from her previous manager, the second reference had not been received until May 2006 and no explanation was recorded on file. Discussion with the inspectors regarding this clarified the difficulties, however, guidance should have been sought from the Commission for Social Care Inspection regarding the difficulty. Telephone checks had also not been undertaken in respect of this post, however, this good practice was evidenced in respect of all other members of staff appointed since the last inspection.

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EVIDENCE:

There has been an improvement in the personnel files since the last inspection and in general all information was easy to locate, with coloured wallets being used to differentiate the different types of information. There were minor Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 deficiencies found in the files in that there were no photograph on 2 of the 4 files viewed, nor had the authority evidenced that they had undertaken checks in respect of staff’s identity. CRB’s completed on carers are renewed every 3 years, however, there has been a delay due to a systems failure in renewing staff CRB checks. One member of staff’s CRB required renewal in January 2006 but has only just been applied for.

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EVIDENCE:

All newly appointed staff files showed evidence of interview, with 2 references being undertaken, even when the appointment was an internal appointment, these references had then been followed up by telephone.

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EVIDENCE:

In discussion with the Human Resources Team Leader, she confirmed that they were aware that the system for checking gaps in employment history is not sufficiently robust. A change has been made to the application form requesting this information and it is suggested that it is a supplementary question is asked as part of the interview process.

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EVIDENCE:

All foster homes visited as part of this inspection provided a high standard of accommodation and most young people had their own bedroom, however, in those cases where young people were sharing a bedroom a risk assessment had not been undertaken as required by previous inspections. Whilst the inspectors are aware that the Fostering Service has a policy regarding this area, this was not contained within the Foster Carer’s Handbook, which the inspectors were provided with.

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EVIDENCE:

Health and Safety checks are completed as part of the initial assessments of carers and there was evidence that these had been updated as part of the annual review process. In addition the Fostering Service has developed an individual risk assessments in respect of the young person and whilst these could be useful documents, they are not always filled in with much detail and rarely is there input from case managers, especially when the assessments are being reviewed. Whilst inspectors were informed that they are being reviewed at young people’s reviews there was no written evidence of this.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster carers have been provided with written guidance in respect of their health and safety responsibilities and the subject is covered during the foster carer’s pre-approval training, in addition some post-approval training has been undertaken in respect of this area.

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EVIDENCE:

Evidence from this inspection is that the Fostering Service has improved its ability to provide suitable placements for a higher proportion of young people requiring a placement, with most placements being made within foster carers approval range. Where placements have been made in an emergency and are outside the carer’s approval a report is presented to the Fostering Panel for consideration and the carer’s approval range is changed where this is felt to be appropriate. At the time of the inspection no exemptions to the usual fostering limit were in place. Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Case managers, supervising social workers and foster carers all commented on how effective the duty system is and the inspectors believe that the development of this service and the commitment of the worker has enabled this improvement in the service. The duty officer ensures that a referral form

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EVIDENCE:

is completed for all young people for whom a placement is being sought and that all relevant information is available to ensure that this information is available to a foster carer. Nonetheless, the Fostering Service has still not developed a matching tool to record the reasons for choosing a particular care for a young person and matching information is not included in the Foster Placement Agreement.

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EVIDENCE:

Nonetheless, the Service still struggles to appropriately match young person with foster carers when the placement is required in an emergency. Foster carers commented that they do not always received sufficient information when a young person is placed in an emergency although there does appear to have been some improvements in this area.

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EVIDENCE:

In respect of one young person seen as part of the inspection a risk assessment stated that she would be best placed on her own or if with other children they should be younger, however she is placed with another young person who is 11 months older than her and her previous placement had been with another young person who was older than her. Inspectors were informed that with the most recent placement the young person had been staying with the foster carer on a respite basis and had refused to return to her full time foster placement but that the placement was meeting the young person’s needs. When the inspector spoke with the young person she stated that she could tell her foster carer “everything, she is like a best friend” and that the home is “warm and cosy.”

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EVIDENCE:

Information received prior to the inspection confirmed that there had been 8 investigations into allegations against foster carers this year, all were seen to be carried out appropriately, however, in respect of one allegation the Authority has still not concluded the investigation even though the investigation was initially instigated at a strategy meeting held on 21 st November 2005. In this case a resolution meeting has still not been held. The issue has now been further complicated as fresh allegations have now been made. None of the concluded cases have led to foster carers having their approval terminated although in some cases the terms of approval have been changed to better reflect the carers capabilities and one carer will not continue to foster after the young person currently in placement has moved on.

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EVIDENCE:

Whilst the Fostering Service has now included written guidelines in the Foster Carer’s Handbook in respect of Safe Care inspectors were concerned that foster carers are still not required to develop their own safe care guidelines. Safe Care Guidelines should be develop taking into consideration foster carer’s in light of their own situation and the particular risk associated with the young Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 person or young people in placement. These guidelines should be cleared by the young person’s social worker and explained clearly and appropriately to the young person.

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EVIDENCE:

Appropriate checks are undertaken in respect of foster carers and these were seen to being renewed as required. However, in respect of one foster home, where the foster carer had recently been approved, the carer has a partner who provides some care for the young people placed but there have been no checks or assessment undertaken regarding this person. This could put the young person at risk. In discussion with the manager the inspector was informed that the Fostering Service was not aware of this matter. They must therefore take this issue up with the foster carer as a matter of urgency and undertake appropriate checks.

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EVIDENCE:

The Fostering Panel was not observed as part of this inspection, although minutes of the last 3 Panel’s were examined, as were the papers prepared for the forthcoming Fostering Panel.

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EVIDENCE:

There have been changes made to the composition of the Panel, the most significant is that the Chair is now an independent member, having previously been the Head of Children’s Services for a neighbouring authority. He has considerable experience of chairing Panels. Staff confirmed that they felt that the Panel was well chaired and that there were advantages to it being chaired independently and this was confirmed by the minutes of the meetings.

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EVIDENCE:

The Fostering Panel is now properly constituted and appropriate references and checks have been undertaken, although the Fostering Service must ensure that references are sought for all members in respect of their duties on the Fostering Panel and not for their other duties. Two members have recently tendered their resignation; evidence suggests that appropriate action has been taken to replace these members. One of the new members will be a social worker from an independent agency, however, these new members must not sit on Panel until appropriate references and checks have been undertaken. Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• The fostering service values diversity.(NMS 7) • The fostering service promotes educational achievement.(NMS 13) • When foster care is provided as a short-term break for a child, the arrangements recognise that the parents remain the main carers for the child.(NMS 31)

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The Commission considers Standards 7, 13, and 31 the key standards

to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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7, 13 and 31

Quality in this outcome area is adequate . This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Young people’s individual needs are generally well met by the their foster carers, however a lack of foster carers from different racial and ethnic backgrounds results in some young people’s ethnic and cultural needs not being fully met.

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EVIDENCE:

At this inspection there was evidence that the Fostering Service promotes equality and valuing diversity within the Service, in most areas of its work. There was evidence in a foster carer assessment of positive work by one worker with foster carers regarding equality and diversity, where she assisted foster carers to address their prejudices. Two workers have attended training in respect of “Caring for Black Children” and there is guidance in the Foster Carer’s Handbook regarding “Practical Advice on Caring for a Black Child”. The recruitment campaign for new foster carers has also concentrated on widening its profile in an attempt to recruit foster carers from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Whilst this has not yet resulted in an increase in foster carers from such groups the Fostering Service is hopeful that the increasing links with different communities will assist in respect of meeting the needs of young

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EVIDENCE:

people from different racial and ethnic groups. The inspector was informed that 4 foster carers from a black/dual heritage background are undergoing training. The authority also has access to foster carers from different racial and ethnic backgrounds as a result of its partnership with an independent fostering agency. The Fostering Service also actively considers placement with Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 friends or family where this will appropriately and safely meet the needs of the young person. Nonetheless, the shortage of appropriate foster carers has resulted in 3 young people visited as part of the inspection being placed trans- racially. One set of foster carers confirmed that a black social worker had been requested to become involved in the case to enable the foster carers to know how to care for the young person’s skin and hair. Whilst these young people’s

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EVIDENCE:

basic needs appeared to be met, little assistance had been provided to the foster carers by the Fostering Service in respect of assisting them to meet the young people’s wider needs. These foster carers have still not received any additional training to help them meet the needs of the young people placed, although the inspectors were informed that a training course is scheduled for October 2006.

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EVIDENCE:

One young person visited as part of the inspection has severe physical disabilities. Her foster carers were seen to be well aware of her needs and were seen to be meeting them. Aids and adaptations have been made available to the foster carers to enable the foster carers to meet the young person’s needs.

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EVIDENCE:

Evidence gained throughout the inspection indicated that young people were well supported by their foster carers in respect of their educational achievements. All files examined included a Personal Education Plan. Development of the Foster Placement Agreement now means that information is included regarding the young person’s schooling and the responsibilities of foster carers in assisting young people to meet their educational potential. However it does not clearly identify the role of foster carers in respect of developing and implementing a young person’s Personal Education Plan. One foster carer visited by the inspector was disappointed that she had not been invited to the Personal Education Plan meeting. The Authority has developed a Strategy for promoting the Educational Achievements of Looked After Children, which identifies key personnel roles, including foster carers. This strategy is still in draft and has therefore not been circulated to foster carers.

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EVIDENCE:

Only one young person visited as part of inspection was excluded from school, however, the inspector was informed that alternative arrangements had been made and that the young person was very enthusiastic about this, although it is early days of her alternative educational placement. The foster carer gave the inspector details of how she ensures that the young person’s day is well structured. It was disappointing to note that 1 foster carer reported in their questionnaire that a young person had been placed with them but it had not been made clear that this young person was not attending school. This has now been rectified.

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EVIDENCE:

Inspectors visited one foster carer who provided short break placements for children with disabilities. Inspectors were also able to meet the young person placed and her mother. All spoke highly of the support they received in respect of the placement. The file examined showed that risk assessments Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 had been completed and updated for the placement and the Foster Placement Agreement clearly identified the parents as the main carers of the young person.

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EVIDENCE:

A new worker has been appointed to develop the shared care scheme; evidence gained during this inspection indicated that this will bring about positive changes to the service. Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• The fostering service promotes contact arrangements for the child or young person. (NMS 10) • The fostering service promotes consultation.(NMS 11)

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The Commission considers Standards 10 and 11 the key standards to

be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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10 and 11

Quality in this outcome area is good . This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The Fostering Service and most carers promote young people’s contact with family and friends. Carers were seen to ensure that young people’s views are sought, however, the Fostering Service must develop an effective system of seeking young people’s views.

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EVIDENCE:

Contact arrangements were clearly defined on all file examined by inspectors, this information is clearly included in the newly developed Foster Placement Agreement, however, the Foster Placement Agreement does not differentiate between young people staying with friends and with family. Consequently on one file viewed by inspectors it was required that the permission of Head of Service is sought for a young person to stay overnight with friends. This was because the young person had restricted contact with family members and contact needed the agreement of the Head of Service, consequently the young person’s contact with friends could be detrimentally affected. Risk assessments regarding contact are now identified as part of the overall risk assessment document. It is apparent from information gained from foster carers, supervising social workers and case managers that the contact arrangements in respect of some young people, which are imposed by courts

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EVIDENCE:

put pressure on all parties to meet the Court’s expectation. Case managers stated that some foster carers were unsupportive regarding providing transport for contact visits and that this could be detrimental to the young people. However, foster carers commented to inspectors that case managers often do not consult them about contact arrangements and therefore it was often Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 difficult to fit in transport arrangements with their other commitments. In discussion with the team manager he informed the inspectors that he intends to write guidance for foster carers in respect of their role in contact and transporting young people. One young person who met with the inspectors commented that he did not feel supported by his social worker in respect of contact with his family.

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EVIDENCE:

Whilst young people’s views are sought regarding their day to day care on a formal basis at their statutory reviews, they are not usually consulted regarding their views of a proposed placement as there is rarely a choice of placement. The Fostering Service accepts that to make placements in a planned way with a period of introduction, this is rarely possible as many placements are made in an emergency. The Fostering Service do not provide young people with written information regarding their proposed foster carers prior to placement and it would be good practice to introduce a family book to share with the young person prior to placement.

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EVIDENCE:

All the young people spoken to as part of the inspection felt part of the family they were placed with and stated that their fosters carers listened to their views and helped them. In addition most young people felt that their social workers listened to them but a number felt that they did not see enough of their social worker and that they were not always listened to. The Fostering Service still does not have a system of seeking young people’s views in respect of the Service, although most young people are consulted when their foster carers are reviewed. Inspectors were pleased to note that the Our Say group, for the children of carers is well supported and meets regularly.

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EVIDENCE:

Most young people and foster carers commented that they are aware of how to make a complaint and examination of the complaint’s file showed that there had been 5 complaints since the last inspection. One complaint is still on going, the other complaints had been successfully resolved at an informal level, however, regarding two complaints a response letter had not been sent until many months after the conclusion of the complaint. In addition a number of reports had not been dated and therefore it was difficult to ascertain how long it had taken to resolve the complaint. Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• The fostering service prepares young people for adulthood.(NMS 14) • The fostering service pays carers an allowance and agreed expenses as specified.(NMS 29)

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14 and 29

Quality in this outcome area is good . This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Young people were being supported to move successfully into independent living and young people’s needs were being adequately met through the allowances paid.

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EVIDENCE:

There has been an improvement in the support given to those young people who are 16+ and are moving onto independence. Those young people spoken to commented that they found the support provided by their 16+ worker very useful and that they had been actively involved in the preparation of their Pathway Plan. One young person’s foster carer was working hard to ensure that plans were in place for the young person when he left school and was taking him for an interview for an apprenticeship. He had also assisted the young person to develop self-care skills. All files examined, where the young person had reached 16, had a Pathway Plan on file, although inspectors were informed of one situation by a member of staff where it had taken 18 months for the young person’s Personal Education Plan to be developed by which time he was 17 years old.

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EVIDENCE:

The Fostering Service has arranged for foster carers to receive training to assist young people to prepare for Independent Living. This course is being provided twice this year in April and September and the inspector was informed that 27 foster carers had attended the training in April 2006.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster carers stated that they received adequate financial support for caring for young people and that this meets the needs of the young person in placement, however, inspectors would recommend that the authority keeps under regular review the level of fees paid to foster carers to ensure that the Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 authority remains in line with payments paid by other authorities and agencies within the area, to ensure that this does not negatively impact the authority’s ability to attract foster carers. Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• There is a clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and the fostering service ensures that they meet those aims and objectives.(NMS 1) • The fostering service is managed by those with the appropriate skills and experience. (NMS 2) • The fostering service is monitored and controlled as specified. (NMS 4) • The fostering service is managed effectively and efficiently.(NMS 5) • Staff are organised and managed effectively.(NMS 16) • The fostering service has an adequate number of sufficiently experienced and qualified staff.(NMS 17) • The fostering service is a fair and competent employer.(NMS 18) • There is a good quality training programme. (NMS 19) • All staff are properly accountable and supported.(NMS 20) • The fostering service has a clear strategy for working with and supporting carers.(NMS 21) • Foster carers are provided with supervision and support.(NMS 22) • Foster carers are appropriately trained.(NMS 23)

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• Case records for children are comprehensive.(NMS 24) • The administrative records are maintained as required.(NMS 25) • The premises used as offices by the fostering service are suitable for the purpose.(NMS 26) • The fostering service is financially viable. (NMS 27) • The fostering service has robust financial processes. (NMS 28) • Local Authority fostering services recognise the contribution made by family and friends as carers.(NMS 32)

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The Commission considers Standards 17, 21, 24 and 32 the key

standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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1, 2, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 32

Quality in this outcome area is adequate . This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Management and support of staff and carers is good, and a majority of foster carers expressed satisfaction with the support received from the Fostering Service. However, not all required processes, policies and records were in place. Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23

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EVIDENCE:

The inspectors were provided with a copy of the Statement of Purpose, however, this was not dated nor did it appear to have been approved by elected members. The Statement of Purpose did not include details regarding staff experience or of the number of complaints received by the Service or their outcomes. Whilst the Service has developed a Children’s Guide, not all young people spoken to had received a copy and the Fostering Service must ensure that this is rectified and that the Guide is also available in a simplified version to ensure that it is accessible to younger children and less able young people.

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EVIDENCE:

Inspectors were pleased to note that the Fostering Service has now provided foster carers with a copy of a foster carers handbook, which includes much useful information.

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EVIDENCE:

Information received during the inspection indicates that there has been an improvement in the management of the Service in recent months and that action has been taken to address identified deficiencies in the Service. There has been additional staff employed as part of the team to assist in the effective delivery of the Service, with the addition of an administrative assistant and a support worker making considerable impact on the smooth running of the Service.

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EVIDENCE:

Much of the compilation of management information is presently undertaken on a manual basis, however, the inspectors were informed that a temporary computer system is to be introduced within a month, which will better meet the needs of the Fostering Service, until a permanent system is developed. From the information gained by inspectors this will assist managers to more effectively manager the Service. Inspectors were also informed that the Nominated Manager has commenced further management training.

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EVIDENCE:

In discussion with staff and in observation of the Fostering Service, it was apparent to inspectors that the staff morale has improved since the last inspection, with various members of staff taking responsibility for certain aspects of the Service.

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EVIDENCE:

The Fostering Service presently has 109 households approved to provide foster care placements. 28 young people are presently placed with independent fostering agencies, as the Fostering Service were unable to provide a placement at the time the placement was required or a placement which would meet the young person’s needs. In discussion with staff and foster carers and the examination of the foster carer register it would appear that whilst the Service does struggle to meet the demand for placements at certain times, this situation is not as extreme as observed during previous inspections. Nonetheless, the Fostering Service is continually attempting to recruit foster Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 carers, unfortunately this has only met with partial success, despite considerable effort by staff. The Fostering Service has recently entered into a

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EVIDENCE:

contract with an independent fostering agency to provide 12 additional placements. Evidence provided indicated that this is proving beneficial and young people are being placed in more appropriate placements. Inspectors were informed by social workers in the Fostering Service and Case Management teams that there had been improvements in the communication between the teams. This had been assisted by meetings between the team managers of the services and by joint training events for workers from the different teams.

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EVIDENCE:

The quality of new assessments of prospective foster carers were generally of a high standard, with one assessment including a robust analysis of the issues raised during the assessment and evidence of the social worker addressing issues of discrimination. However, it was disappointing to note that the assessment did not cover issues regarding previous episodes of depression experienced by the foster carer. Such issues should be thoroughly explored during the assessment process. A further assessment of a foster carer had moved home since the approval, but this had not been reviewed or reported to the Fostering Panel.

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EVIDENCE:

The team manager and the senior practitioner undertake the reviews of foster carers and most of these had been undertaken in the past year, although a review had not been completed in all cases. The inspector was informed that the Authority is now considering arrangements for all reviews to be undertaken by an independent person and the inspectors believe that this should enhance the validity of the reviews of foster carers. It is crucial that in all cases that the views of all relevant parties are sought and recorded as part of the foster carers review. A number of files examined by inspectors did not contain this information.

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EVIDENCE:

In discussion with foster carers and analysing the information gained from the pre-inspection questionnaires from foster carers, inspectors found that most foster carers felt well supported by their supervising social worker. However, a number of foster carers and young people commented on the difficulty in obtaining support from the out of hours service. As at the previous inspection supervision of foster carers was well recorded and file records confirmed that supervision visits had been undertaken as agreed between the foster carer and the supervising social worker, this normally being at 4-6 weekly intervals. Foster carers commented that they found supervision useful and that this ensures that there was good communication between themselves and the supervising social worker. This view is an improvement on the views expressed by foster carers at previous inspections where the value of supervision had not always been fully recognised. Files showed an

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EVIDENCE:

improvement in the recording of unannounced visits, although such visits were not recorded on all files. Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 Whilst the Foster Care Agreement now contains all required information, it would benefit from clearly stating that foster carers must follow the department’s child protection and child missing from home procedures, rather than stating that foster carers have received a copy of the procedures. The Fostering Service must ensure that all foster carers sign the Foster Care Agreement prior to a young person being placed with them, and where there are two carers in a household, both foster carers must sign the agreement, as inspectors found that in respect of two of the files examined, only one of the foster carers had signed the Foster Care Agreement.

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EVIDENCE:

There has been an improvement in the training provided by the Fostering Service to its foster carers, with the hours for the training officer being increased to 30 hours per week. Foster carers are now expected to undertake 9 mandatory training sessions over a 3 year period. At the present time the Fostering Service does not have a policy regarding the consequences if foster carers do not undertake this training and this should be put into place as the earliest opportunity. Examination of files showed that training records are not always up to date on the foster carer’s files, however, the training officer has developed an electronic matrix, which identifies the training undertaken by the foster carers and it is hoped that the new database will allow for the recording of this information. The need for training is discussed during supervision sessions, however, a more robust system of analysing what training is needed

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EVIDENCE:

should be developed through the review process. Inspectors were informed that 25 foster carers have now completed NVQ Level 3 and 2 have completed Level 4. The training officer has completed her assessor’s course and can now access foster carers who are undertaking NVQ Level 3.

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EVIDENCE:

The Foster Placement Agreement format has been updated and now includes a tick box for highlighting who is responsible for what actions, but the format is still not fully compliant, as it does not include the objective for the placement, financial arrangements for the placement nor the elements of matching considered when making the placement. This format has recently been introduced and has not been consistently used on all files examined by the inspectors and in a number of cases the form had not been fully completed.

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EVIDENCE:

Young people’s files were well organised in most cases and had been recently audited. In respect of one young person there was confidential information in respect of another young person on the file. It was of concern to inspectors that information gained from some young people seen as part of the inspection and in responses in questionnaires indicated that some young people had not had a social worker allocated for periods of time and even where there had been a social worker many young people complained that their social worker frequently changed. They stated that they found this disruptive and difficult to rebuild relationships with their worker.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster carer files were generally well organised and recent audits had been undertaken by a senior manager in respect of all files examined by inspectors. Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 The work undertaken by one member of staff to develop an index of where information should be filed has greatly improved the ease of locating relevant information.

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EVIDENCE:

The Foster Carer’s Register shows some considerable improvements but it is still not fully compliant as it does not include the dates of each review of a foster carer’s approval, although it does include a reminder of when the next review is due. The register also includes dates of when CRB checks are due to be renewed; this is good practice.

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EVIDENCE:

The Fostering Service does not have a young people’s register that is compliant with the standards and regulations, although there is a record kept on the Authority’s Care First system, however, this is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the regulations nor for monitoring the information required by the Fostering Service.

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EVIDENCE:

As reported in previous inspections the Fostering Service provides a dedicated worker for kinship foster carers and this post has recently been supplemented by an additional ½ time post to assist with the increase in kinship foster carers. This has proved effective and carers commented on the high level of support they are offered. A number of the kinship foster carers have undertaken Skills to Foster training and a further 3 are enrolled on the course due to commence in July 2006. The worker and the training officer have also developed support and training events for kinship foster carers in recognition that the needs of these carers can be different from mainstream foster carers. Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services have been met and uses the following scale.

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

4 Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

BEING HEALTHY ACHIEVING ECONOMIC Standard No Score WELLBEING 12 2 Standard No Score 14 3 STAYING SAFE 29 3 Standard No Score 3 3 MANAGEMENT 6 2 Standard No Score 8 2 1 2 9 3 2 3 15 2 4 X 30 3 5 X 16 3 ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING 17 2 Standard No Score 18 X 7 2 19 X 13 2 20 X 31 3 21 2 22 2 MAKING A POSITIVE 23 3 CONTRIBUTION 24 2 Standard No Score 25 2 10 3 26 X 11 3 27 N/A 28 N/A 32 4 Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? YES

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Fostering Services Regulations 2002 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action 1. FS12 17 (3) The Fostering Service must ensure that Foster Placement Plans are completed fully, including information as to who can give consent to treatment.

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Timescale of 1/08/05 not

2. FS6 12 (1) The Fostering Service must ensure that risk assessments carried out in line with Standard 6.5 are recorded in writing and placed on file.

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Timescale of 01.03.04 not

3. FS8 34 (3) The Fostering Service must ensure that Foster Placement Agreements are completed, meet the requirements of Schedule 6 and include details of matching details.

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met

4. FS15 27 Sch 3 The Fostering Service must ensure that all adults who have substantial contact with young people undertake appropriate checks. 01/08/06 Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 29 5. FS15 20 (3) The Authority must ensure that it confirms the identity of all new staff as part of the recruitment process as required by Regulation 20, Schedule 1.

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Timescale of 01.03.04 not

6. FS15 20 The Fostering Service must ensure that there is a robust system to ensure that all staff have their CRB checks updated on a 3 yearly basis. 01/09/06

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Timescale of 01.03.04 not

7. FS7 17(1) The Fostering Service must ensure that where transracial or transcommunity placements are made the authority must provide additional training, support and information for foster carers as specified in Standard 8.6.

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Timescale of 01.05.04 not

8. FS7 33 (a) The Fostering Service must ensure that it has sufficient diversity of foster carers to enable each young person placed to have access to foster care services that recognize and address her/his needs in terms of gender, religion, ethnic origin, language, culture, disability and sexuality

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Timescale of 01.05.04 not

9. FS13 34 (3) Sch 6 The Fostering Service must ensure that the foster carers role in school contact, and in relation to the young persons personal education plan are clearly articulated in the foster placement agreement.

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Timescale of 01.01.05 not

10. FS1 3 The Fostering Service must ensure that the Statement of 01/10/06 Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 30 Purpose is fully compliant with the Fostering Services Regulations 2002. 11. FS1 3 The Fostering Service must ensure that all young people are provided with a copy of the Children’s Guide, which is fully compliant with the Fostering Services Regulations 2002. 01/10/06

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Timescale of 01.01.05 not

12. FS17 27 Sch 3 The Fostering Service must ensure that foster carer assessments contain all elements identified in Schedule 3, including exploration of the impact of health issues. 01/08/06

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Timescale of 01.01.05 not

13. FS21 29 The Fostering Service must ensure that annual reviews are undertaken within the statutory timescale and that these include the necessary checks to ensure that young peoples needs are met.

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Timescale of 01/04/06 not

14. FS22 29 The Fostering Service must ensure that a review of a foster carers approval is undertaken when there has been a significant change to their circumstances. 01/08/06

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Timescale of 01/04/06 not

15. FS22 42 The Fostering Service must ensure that the views of young people and all other relevant parties are sought and recorded as part of a foster carers annual review. 01/09/06

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Timescale of 01/04/06 not

16. FS22 28 (5) The Fostering Service must ensure that where a couple are approved to be foster carers that both parties sign the Foster Care Agreement. 01/08/06

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Timescale of 01/04/06 not

17. FS24 19 The Authority must ensure that there is a sufficient number of competent and experienced social workers so that all Looked After Children 01/10/06 Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 31 are supported by a social worker. 18. FS24 40 The Fostering Service must ensure that each young person has a separate and confidential file, which only contains information regarding that child. 01/09/06

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Timescale of 01/04/06 not

19. FS25 31(2) A register of carers must be produced which contains all the information required by Regulation 31.

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Timescale of 01/09/05 not

20. FS25 22(1)Sch 2 The Fostering Service must keep a record of all young people placed with foster carers as required by Regulation 22 and Schedule 2.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations

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RECOMMENDATIONS

1. FS12 An appropriate form of consent to medical treatment, including first aid, immunisations, household medications and dental treatment should be devised and implemented for each child in placement.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

2. FS12 The Fostering Service should develop a policy regarding the assessment of whether a young person is Gillick competent.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

3. FS6 The Fostering Service should ensure that risk assessments in respect of young people and their placement are regularly reviewed with input from all parties to ensure that it accurately reflects the risks and safeguards affording to the young person. 4. FS9 The Fostering Service should ensure that Safe Caring Guidelines are provided in respect of each foster home in Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 32 line with Standard 9.3 and clearly recorded on file. 5. FS30 The Fostering Service should ensure that reference sought for Panel members are in respect of their membership of Panel rather than other duties within the Authority. 6. FS10 The Fostering Service should ensure that a policy is written to give guidance to foster carers regarding their responsibilities in respect of young people’s contact. 7. FS11 The Fostering Service should consider the development of

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RECOMMENDATIONS

albums/booklets about foster carers and their homes to allow children and young people to have some information prior to all placements, including emergency placements. 8. FS11 The Fostering Service should ensure that the views of young people are taken into account when developing the service.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

9. FS11 The Fostering Service should ensure that all reports, including investigations of complaints are signed and dated by the member of staff who completed the report. 10. FS29 The Fostering Service should keep under review the fees paid to foster carers to ensure that the Service attracts and retains foster carers. 11. FS1 The Fostering Service should ensure that the Statement of Purpose is approved by elected members 12. FS1 The Fostering Service should ensure that they produce a Children’s Guide that is accessible to younger children and those young people who are less able. 11. FS17 The Fostering Service should keep under review staffing levels within the Service to ensure that there is sufficient staff to recruit and support foster carers effectively.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

12. FS21 The Fostering Service should ensure that foster carers have appropriate and effective support outside normal working hours.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

13. FS22 The Fostering Service should ensure that occasional unannounced visits to all foster carers are undertaken, at least once a year and this is clearly recorded on the file.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

14. FS22 The Fostering Service should amend the Foster Care Agreement so that it clearly requires foster carers to comply with child protection and when a child is missing procedures. 15 FS23 The Fostering Service should produce a written policy, which clearly states the consequences of a foster carer not undertaking the mandatory training. Borough of Telford & Wrekin Fostering Service DS0000043693.V288305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 33

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

Shrewsbury Local Office 1st Floor, Chapter House South Abbey Lawn Abbey Foregate SHREWSBURY SY2 5DE

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI

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