Setting

Finders)

Family Finders 283 London Road Westcliff on Sea Essex SS2 6TB

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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. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 1

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Name of Authority

Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders)

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Address

Family Finders, 283 London Road, Westcliff on Sea, Essex, SS2 6TB

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Address

Family Finders, 283 London Road, Westcliff on Sea, Essex, SS2 6TB

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Date of first registration Date of latest registration certificate

Date of last inspection 10/02/03 Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 2 Date of Inspection Visit 20th January 2004 ID Code

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Date of first registration Date of latest registration certificate

Name of Inspector 1 Mr Michael Boettcher 072089

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Date of first registration Date of latest registration certificate

Name of Inspector 2 Patricia Stanton 131052

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inspections and bring a different

perspective to the inspection process. Name of Specialist (e.g. Interpreter/Signer) (if applicable) N/A

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Name of Establishment Representative at

the time of inspection Ian Marsh Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 3

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D.3. Provider’s agreement

Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 4

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

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

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

This document summarises the inspection findings of the NCSC in respect of Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders). The inspection findings relate to the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services published by the Secretary of State under sections 23 and 49 of the Care Standards Act 2000, for independent and local authority fostering services respectively.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

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

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

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

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INSPECTION VISITS

Inspections will be undertaken in line with the agreed regulatory framework with additional visits as required. This is in accordance with the provisions of the Care Standards Act 2000. The following inspection methods have been used in the production of this report. The report represents the inspector's findings from the evidence found at the specified inspection dates. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED. The fostering service Family Finders is funded and managed by Southend on Sea County Council.

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INSPECTION VISITS

The service is a significant aspect of the provision offered looked after children.

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INSPECTION VISITS

The service comprises of 9 full time staff and two administration workers currently employed.

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INSPECTION VISITS

Some 291 children are placed, a number in independent fostering.

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INSPECTION VISITS

The service has approximately 107 carers and 200 approved beds. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) 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.) This fostering service has been inspected as required under the Care Standards Act 2000, the Fostering Service Regulations 2002 and the Children’s Act 1989 as amended. Areas to be progressed are listed in the Requirements and Recommendations section of the report. Any breaches in regulations that pose a more immediate risk to service users have been highlighted for urgent action.

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Inspector’s Summary

Records, practices, policies and procedures have only been sampled. At future inspections other issues may come to light when different items are sampled or different people are spoken to.

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Statement of Purpose (Standard 1)

One of the one standard assessed was partly met.

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Statement of Purpose (Standard 1)

The Fostering service ‘Family Finders’ has now produced a comprehensive Statement of Purpose that meets with all elements detailed in standard 1.4.

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Statement of Purpose (Standard 1)

The children’s guide is incorporated into the ‘Welcome to the Care of Southend Council’ general guide for children and young people. It does not however contain a summary of what it sets out to do for foster children or present information in different formats to meet the needs of different groups of children.

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Fitness to provide or manage a fostering service (Standards 2-3)

Two of the two standards assessed were met.

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Fitness to provide or manage a fostering service (Standards 2-3)

The service manager and manager of Family Finders have relevant experience of managing the fostering service. The manager’s current qualifications in management studies gained in 1993 to be evaluated against standard 2.2 to ensure it meets with a qualification at level 4 NVQ in management. Action must be taken to ensure any gaps in knowledge are addressed by 2005.

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Fitness to provide or manage a fostering service (Standards 2-3)

Statutory checks are now being carried out every three years .

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Fitness to provide or manage a fostering service (Standards 2-3)

Staff spoke positively about the support received from managers at Family Finders.

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Management of the fostering service (Standards 4-5)

Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 7 Two of the two standards assessed were met.

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Management of the fostering service (Standards 4-5)

There were a number of monitoring systems in place and others being developed in line with children’s services generally.

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Management of the fostering service (Standards 4-5)

Carers have supervision contracts with link workers and are formally supervised monthly. Likewise staff confirmed that they receive regular supervision from their line manager.

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Management of the fostering service (Standards 4-5)

There are proper financial procedures in place. Carers report being paid regularly and on time.

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Management of the fostering service (Standards 4-5)

Carers and staff were not familiar with the ‘conflict of interest’ policy. It is recommended that this policy is brought to their attention.

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Management of the fostering service (Standards 4-5)

There is a job description for the manager of Family Finders.

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Management of the fostering service (Standards 4-5)

There is deputy cover (senior practitioner) arrangements in place during the manager’s absence. The deputy confirmed that they are able to raise issues with the service manager directly at such times .

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

Four of the nine standards assessed were met.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

The service has made very good progress in terms of recruitment. There were 25 new carers recruited in the last 21 months. A very small number of new carers have moved on. A number of longer term carers have also left. The service has gained 65 beds over a two year period.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

Annual household reviews are in place. All parties’ views are sought about the placement.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

Health and safety checks are carried out pre-approval. Shortfalls noted were not followed up in the reports on file. It is recommended that any shortfalls noted on health and safety checks to be followed up in writing and placed on the appropriate file.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

Foster carers spoken with were not made fully aware of the NCSC inspector’s role.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

There is a national shortage of foster carers recognised at central government level. Most Southend foster carers are white British. There is a shortage of carers from a black or minority ethnic background. A number of children would gain from such a placement.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

There are examples of good practice where children from minority groups have been encouraged to maintain their religious and cultural heritage with some success.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

There was some evidence of limited use being made of specialist services and the voluntary sector to form appropriate links and obtain information and advise. These links could be developed further.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

Disabled children are not offered as regular respite opportunities as could be provided by the service due to a shortfall of shared carers. Also emergency placements were seen to take priority over respite arrangements. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 8 There are acknowledged gaps in the service for disabled child, siblings, remand children and older children.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

There is use made of independent fostering agencies to help the local authority provide a broader service.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

Safe caring practices are known to carers and made part of training, and in writing.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

Guidance on ‘missing children’ is in place. However it does not give sufficient advice on what action to take and when. The policy needs to be developed further.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

Children report in their NCSC questionnaires that contact visits are deemed very important to them. Carers were not always able to support the rate of agreed contact in care plans again due to competing demands of other foster children and birth children. It is recommended that there is closer planning between carers, parents and children’s social worker when planning and organizing contact visits.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

Children report in their NCSC questionnaires that contact visits are deemed very important to them.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

Children report that they do have the opportunity to make their views known and generally feel listened to. Young people confirmed that they attend reviews on a regular basis.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

Most carers questionnaires returned stated that they did not consider that anyone has asked their opinion about the way the fostering service runs. This is matched with young people’s views.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

There are good links formed with the health service to ensure proper health provision for looked after children generally, which benefited foster children.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

Some health care provision has been innovative and included the involvement of children in looking at health issues facing young people including drug use and sex education.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

The service is committed to maintaining looked after children in local schools. There is good links between education, foster carer, and the children's social worker and link workers.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

Files reflected a high level of commitment to the educational potential and achievements of foster children.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

There is an aftercare and youth support team accessible to foster children who require this service. The service manager noted improvements for young people leaving care generally in relation to education, employment and accommodation.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6-14)

There are other inspection indicators from the SSI that reflect the very good stability of placements.

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(Standards 15-23)

Recruitment and selection procedures for appointing staff met with good practice. Statutory checks are now renewed every three years. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 9 Staff files examined did not contain detailed references. Referees were not checked by telephone inquiries and the date noted on the file.

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(Standards 15-23)

There is a clear management structure in place. (See standard 2). Link workers stated that workloads are acceptable and regularly monitored through formal monthly supervision.

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(Standards 15-23)

It is recommended that the reasons carers give for leaving the service should be analysed.

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(Standards 15-23)

A number of areas in the F1 assessment that had been presented to panel and had been approved were not carried out effectively in files examined. They reflected a lack of training and knowledge by link workers that should have been addressed in supervision.

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(Standards 15-23)

Evidence from the work practices of link workers show mixed quality of assessments, areas covered in household reviews and supervision of carers have not been picked up effectively through staff supervision which has allowed some poor practices and omissions to occur.

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(Standards 15-23)

Both applicants as foster carers did not present the same level of information on the FI assessments or completed the same areas of assessment training, particularly male carers.

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(Standards 15-23)

An out of hours support/advise service is to be provided to foster carers. It will be run by fostering staff and managers and include a number of experienced carers. It is recommended that the ‘take up’ rate by carers is monitored to evaluate how effective the new system is.

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(Standards 15-23)

There is a training officer providing training support for the fostering team. Specific staff are also involved in the organising and delivery of training in-house. The staff training programme is seen as a developing area.

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(Standards 15-23)

Training does not fully reflect the policies of the fostering service as defined in the Statement of Purpose and Function.

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(Standards 15-23)

There is a good relationship between the carers support service (AFCAPS) and the Council. Interviews with relevant members of AFCAPS confirmed that carers generally felt valued and listened to by the Council.

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(Standards 15-23)

Where there are single carers such as working male carers then the support system is less effective. It is recommended unrepresentative carers are encouraged to link with similar carers outside of the borough i.e. Havering and Thurrock who are part of an advisory consortium.

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(Standards 15-23)

Link workers do not regularly read carers diaries or visit unannounced at some stage during the year.

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(Standards 15-23)

Supervision records generally paid little detailed attention to the development needs of carers.

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(Standards 15-23)

Carers report that the pre-approval training offered is of good quality and comprehensive in nature.

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(Standards 15-23)

Male carers in particular did not always attend all the assessment training where their female Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 10 partner had attended. This needs to be addressed.

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(Standards 15-23)

The fostering service must ensure that all approved carers receive adequate training and that the training is evaluated.

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Records (Standards 24-25)

Foster Carers report generally adequate level of information they received in relation to the placed child’s background and history.

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Records (Standards 24-25)

The service is now better at requiring placing social workers to complete pre-placement information checklist which also benefits carers.

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Records (Standards 24-25)

There is not a system to monitor the quality and adequacy of records in place at the present time. The manager confirmed that there are plans for such a system to be put in place.

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Records (Standards 24-25)

Some foster carers and children were fully aware that they can make additions and changes to their file kept by the service and access the file if they so wish .

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Fitness of premises for use as fostering service (Standard 26)

There is a separate building used by the fostering service which is located in a main shopping area. There are appropriate administrative and adequate security arrangements in place.

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Fitness of premises for use as fostering service (Standard 26)

Staff report suffering from a number of physical complaints due to inadequate seating and desks. A recent health and safety assessment has been carried out. Action should be taken to ensure the equipment noted above is appropriate for staff use.

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Fitness of premises for use as fostering service (Standard 26)

The interior of the premises are in a poor decorative state.

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Fitness of premises for use as fostering service (Standard 26)

Fire extinguishers were last tested in 2000. This must be remedied.

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Financial requirements (Standards 27-29)

The fostering service is linked to the Local Authority financial systems. The Assistant Director for Children & Young People’s services oversees the service and is the named responsible individual for the fostering service.

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Financial requirements (Standards 27-29)

The local authority is currently spending a larger portion of the overall budget on services for looked after children above that provided by government.

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Financial requirements (Standards 27-29)

The service manager was able to evidence that financial systems are in place and all financial arrangements are properly recorded and accounted for.

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Financial requirements (Standards 27-29)

Foster carers state they experienced delays in receiving payment for claims such as travel. It is recommended that ways to improve the timing of such payments should be examined. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 11

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Fostering Panel (Standard 30)

The members contributed effectively to the issues raised and there combined experience showed through in the quality of decisions reached. There was frank discussion as to the performance of the fostering service in the process of reaching decisions on the competence of carers.

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Fostering Panel (Standard 30)

The quality of the documentation supporting approvals were varied with some aspects poorly put together, noted by the chair. Action should be taken to strengthen the ‘quality assurance’ role of the panel to ensure that where assessments and/or supporting evidence is not sufficient that this is followed up by the relevant managers.

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Short-term breaks (Standard 31)

The shared care scheme is currently failing to provide the number of carers and services to disabled children. The current situation disadvantages disabled children (see standard 7) and action needs to be taken to remedy the situation. An additional 12 shared carers are needed to offer the level of service required.

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Family and friends as carers (Standard 32)

There is evidence that the service is attempting to use more kinship carers via a family group conference initiative that is aimed at working with young people and their families. However resources to provide speedy assessments are not in place and there is the risk that potential kinship carers will be lost to the service. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 12

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

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

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

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

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

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

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

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

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The grounds for the above Report or Notice are:

Failure to fully meet Regulations 3(3)(1), 3(3)(4), 15(1)(c), 19, 13(3), schedule 1(4), 19, 35(1)(a), 28(1)(2)(a)(b), 17(1), 23(1), 27(1) of the Fostering Services Regulations 2002. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 13

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Implementation of Statutory Requirements from Last Inspection

Requirements from last Inspection visit fully actioned? YES

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

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

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Action is being taken by the National Care Standards Commission to monitor

compliance with the above requirements. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 14

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

the evidence at the time of this inspection.

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Date

Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 15

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS IDENTIFIED DURING THIS INSPECTION

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

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Identified below are areas addressed in the main body of the report which indicate non- compliance with the Care Standards Act 2000, the Children Act 1989, the Fostering Services Regulations 2002, or the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services. The Authority or Registered Person(s) is/are required to comply within the given time scales in order to comply with the Regulatory Requirements for fostering services. No. Regulation Standard * Requirement Timescale for action

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

1 3(3)(1) FS1 The children’s guide to contain a summary of what the fostering service sets out to do for foster children 14/07/04

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

2 3(3)(4) FS1 The children’s guide to provide information in different formats to meet the needs of different groups of children. 14/07/04

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

15(1)(c) FS7 O.T. assessments to be carried out within timescales that best meet disabled children’s respite care needs. 14/07/04

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

4 19 FS9 Link workers to receive training in relation to the service’s anti-bullying’ policy 14/07/04

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

5 13(3) FS9 Guidance on missing children to include a written procedure to be followed if a child is absent without permission. 14/07/04

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Schedule 1(4) FS15 References to be checked by telephone inquiries to referees and the contact date recorded on file. 14/07/04

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

7 19 FS19 Provide sufficient and relevant training specific to the work carried out by link workers. 14/07/04

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

8 35(1)(a) FS22 Carers to be visited unannounced at some stage during the year. 14/07/04

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

28(1)(2)(a) (b) FS23 All potential foster carers to be fully assessed prior to approval. 26/05/04 Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 16 10 17(1) FS23 Foster carers to receive training in relation to identified developmental needs. 14/07/04

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

11 17(1) FS23 The fostering service must ensure that all approved carers receive adequate training and that the training is evaluated. 14/07/04

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

12 17(1) FS23 Training offered carers should be relevant, take account of their current needs and be varied and flexible in delivery. 14/07/04

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

13 23(1) FS26 Provide sufficient IT and related office equipment in line with health and safety requirements. 14/07/04

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

14 23(1) FS26 Fire extinguishers to be tested in keeping with fire regulations. Immediate

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

15 26(2)(b)(c) FS30 The fostering panel to ensure that the assessments received to decide approvals of prospective carers is of sufficient quality. 14/07/04

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

16 27(1) FS32 Kinship carers to be supported by the provision of appropriate assessments within acceptable timescales. 14/07/04

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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 FS2 The managers Diploma in Management studies to meet with a qualification at level 4 NVQ in management.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

2 FS4 The ‘conflict of interest’ policy to be brought to the attention of staff and carers .

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

3 FS6 Shortfalls noted on health and safety checks to be followed up in writing and placed on file.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

4 FS6 The assessment for placing a child who has been abused/abusing/ or has behavioural difficulties to be made explicit in writing on the relevant file. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 17 5 FS6 Foster carers to be made aware of the NCSC inspector’s role when visiting foster carers in their home.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

6 FS7 Greater use to be made of external professionals and the voluntary sector to support and develop children’s ethnic background, religion and culture.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

7 FS7 Review options to preserve respite places for disabled children.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

8 FS7 Establish effective and timely access to OT services for disabled children.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

9 FS7 Sufficient respite care opportunities to be offered disabled children by the development of the shared care scheme.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

10 FS10 It is recommended that there is closer planning between carers, parents and children’s social worker when organising contact visits.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

11 FS11 A forum for children and foster carers to be considered with their brief to look at ways the service could be developed.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

12 FS13 The education support worker role to be made more effective in practice.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

13 FS17 The reasons carers give for leaving the service should be analysed.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

14 FS18 The ‘take up’ rate by carers to be monitored to evaluate how effective the new ‘out of hours’ support system is.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

15 FS21 Unrepresentative carers are encouraged to link with similar carers outside of the borough.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

16 FS22 Link workers to regularly check carers professional diaries.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

17 FS22 Supervision of foster carers records to detail the development needs of carers.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

18 FS24 A system to monitor the quality and adequacy of records to be put in place.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

19 FS25 Foster carers and children to be informed that they can make additions and changes to their file kept by the service and access the file if they so wish.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

20 FS25 A system to monitor the quality and adequacy of records to be put in place.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

21 FS25 Alternative storage systems of saving redundant files should be considered.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

22 FS26 The premises to be maintained in good decorative order. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 18 23 FS29 It is recommended that ways to improve the timing of travel and other payments should be examined.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

24 FS30 Where decisions reached included increasing support to carers then a record should be kept to evidence action taken and outcomes.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

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

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

The following inspection methods have been used in the production of this report Number of Inspector days spent 16.5

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

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

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Date of Inspection 20/01/04 Time of Inspection 9:30 Duration Of Inspection (hrs) 52 Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 19 The following pages summarise the key findings and evidence from this inspection, together with the NCSC assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards have been met. The following scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

The scale ranges from: 4 - Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 - Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 - Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 - Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls)

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

"0" in the "Standard met?" box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. "9" in the "Standard met?" box denotes standard not applicable. “X” is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 20

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The intended outcome for the following standard is:

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

p.22

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

what facilities and services they provide. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The Fostering service ‘Family Finders’ has now produced a comprehensive Statement of Purpose that meets with all elements detailed in standard 1.4. It is recommended that the document be dated to ensure it is reviewed at least annually.

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

The children’s guide is incorporated into the ‘Welcome to the Care of Southend Council’ general guide for children and young people. There is relevant information contained in the guide including how to make a complaint, advocacy services and details of the local NCSC area office. The guide was designed by young people in Southend in consultation with children’s services. It does not however contain a summary of what it sets out to do for foster children or present information in different formats to meet the needs of different groups of children. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 21

p.22

The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

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

p.23

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

childcare and fostering to do so in a professional manner. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The service manager and manager of Family Finders have relevant experience of managing the fostering service. The manager’s current qualifications in management studies gained in 1993 to be evaluated against standard 2.2 to ensure it meets with a qualification at level 4 NVQ in management. Action to be taken to ensure any gaps in knowledge are addressed by 2005.

p.23

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

Statutory checks are now being carried out every three years .

p.23

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

a business concerned with safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Staff spoke positively about the support received from managers at Family Finders.

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

Telephone enquiries were not made to follow up references. (See standard 15)

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

Records are kept of checks and references that have been obtained. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 22

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

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

p.24

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

fostering service and ensuring quality performance. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There were a number of monitoring systems in place and others being developed in line with children’s services generally. There is monitoring from the initial contact date through to the approval of foster carers, among other systems in place.

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

Management roles are clearly stated with established lines of accountability.

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

Carers have supervision contracts with link workers and are formally supervised monthly. Likewise staff confirmed that they receive regular supervision from their line manager.

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

There are proper financial procedures in place. Carers report being paid regularly and on time.

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

Carers and staff were not familiar with the ‘conflict of interest’ policy. It is recommended that this policy is brought to their attention.

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

Number of statutory notifications made to NCSC in last 12 months: 0

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

Death of a child placed with foster parents. 0

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

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

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

foster home. Serious complaint about a foster parent. 0 Initiation of child protection enquiry involving a child. 0

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

Number of complaints made to NCSC about the agency in the past 12 months: 0 Number of the above complaints which were substantiated: 0 Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 23

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Standard 5 (5.1 - 5.4)

The fostering service is managed effectively and efficiently. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There is a job description for the manager of Family Finders.

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Standard 5 (5.1 - 5.4)

There is deputy cover (senior practitioner) arrangements in place during the manager’s absence. The deputy confirmed that they are able to raise issues with the service manager directly at such times . Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 24

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

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

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

nurturing environment. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The service has made very good progress in terms of recruitment. There were 25 new carers recruited in the last 21 months. A very small number of new carers have moved on. A number of longer term carers have also left.

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

Comments made by link workers suggest that a number of new carers are highly committed to joint caring and attended all the training programmes. (See standard 17 and 19.)

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

The homes of foster carers visited were domestic, comfortable and well maintained. There were adequate arrangements for foster children to have their own bed, privacy and space.

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

Annual household reviews are in place. All parties’ views are sought about the placement.

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

Health and safety checks are not specifically detailed in the household reviews examined. The manager confirmed that there is a new checklist in use, evidenced at the panel meeting.

p.26

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

Health and safety checks are carried out pre-approval. Shortfalls noted were not followed up in the reports on file. It recommended that any shortfalls noted on health and safety checks to be followed up in writing and placed on the appropriate file.

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

The assessment for placing a child who has been abused/abusing/or has behavioural difficulties is not made explicit in writing.

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

Foster carers spoken with were not fully aware of the NCSC inspector’s role. Foster carers and children should be made aware that Inspectors may visit by arrangement, interview carers, inspect accommodation, look at health and safety issues, interview foster children over 8 years with the agreement of the child, examine diary entries and take action (child protection) if warranted. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 25

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

provided with foster care services which value diversity and promote equality. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 There is a national shortage of foster carers recognised at central government level. Most Southend foster carers are white British. There is a shortage of carers from a black or minority ethnic background. A number of children would gain from such a placement in the view of senior managers.

p.27

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

The fostering service has made some progress in recruiting a greater diversity of carers to meet the needs of children. Advertisement for carers have been targeted at minority groups. Managers are aware that some potential carers may not be able to fully evidence all statutory checks.

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

There are examples of good practice where children from minority groups have been encouraged to maintain their religious and cultural heritage with some success.

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

Statements made by carers show they were encouraging and supporting children to deal with discrimination and bullying as well as respecting their identity.

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

There was some evidence of limited use being made of specialist services and the voluntary sector to form appropriate links and obtain information and advise. These links could be developed further.

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

There was evidence of over reliance on parents to preserve child’s ethnic, religious, cultural and linguistic background. Also some foster children’s parents may not consider these matters important for the child in placement.

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

Disabled children that have a planned placement enjoy good health care support and sufficient equipment/adaptations as required.

p.27

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

Disabled children are not offered as regular respite opportunities as could be provided by the service due to a shortfall of shared carers. Also emergency placements were seen to take priority over respite arrangements.

p.27

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

OT assessments are accessible for children but are difficult to obtain for planned respite. This further reduced respite opportunities for disabled children. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 26

p.27

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

authority is seeking a carer. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There are other inspection indicators from the SSI that reflect very good stability of placements.

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

There are acknowledged gaps in the service for disabled child, siblings, remand children and older children.

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

It was not possible, given the shortage of carers from minority groups (see standard 7) to ensure that children were matched in relation to ethnic origin, race, religion, culture and language. There is use made of independent fostering agencies to help the local authority provide a broader service.

p.28

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

Link workers confirmed that placement considerations took into account matching considerations as far as possible.

p.28

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

There are examples of care plans that record matching considerations.

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

There were examples of good practice in supporting carers and encouraging the child to develop a positive understanding of their heritage. Carers were given some relevant training, support and information when transracial or transcommunity placements were made. However this was at times limited to reading selected books due to lack of knowledge within the service and links to agencies who could assist, not being established. (See standard 7)

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

neglect, exploitation and deprivation. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 Safe caring practices are known to carers and made part of training, and in writing.

p.28

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

The policy on dealing with negative behaviour clearly states that corporal punishment is not acceptable. The carers contacted understood this.

p.28

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

Records are kept of allegations and concerns.

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

There is an anti- bullying policy in place and arrangements to support the foster carer with assisting the child when bullying occurs. Link workers had not received training in relation to the anti-bullying’ policy.

p.28

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

Guidance on ‘missing children’ is in place. However it does not give sufficient advice on what action to take and when. The policy needs to be developed further. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 27

p.28

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

her/his care plan and/or foster placement agreement. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 Contact is encouraged and accommodated in the main. Expenses are paid for transport. Alternative venues are available if contact is known to be supervised. Carers report back outcomes, noted in their supervision with the link worker.

p.29

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

Contact arranged between parent and social worker can be agreed without consulting the carer, which is poor practice. At such times visits have been curtailed.

p.29

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

Carers were not always able to support the rate of agreed contact in care plans due to competing demands of other foster children and birth children.

p.29

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

Children report in their NCSC questionnaires that contact visits are deemed very important to them.

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

It is recommended that there is closer planning between carers, parents and children’s social worker when planning and organizing contact visits.

p.29

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

daily life and their future. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Foster children and birth children are consulted through household reviews. A sample of questionnaires returned from foster children confirmed that they felt consulted over a number of matters.

p.29

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

Children report that they do have the opportunity to make their views known and generally feel listened to. Young people confirmed that they attend reviews on a regular basis.

p.29

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

Young people spoken worth confirmed that they would know how to raise a complaint or a concern.

p.29

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

Carers also felt they were regularly consulted through meetings and phone calls with their link worker and children through their own reviews and during household reviews.

p.29

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

Most carers questionnaires returned stated that they did not consider that anyone has asked their opinion about the way the fostering service runs. This is matched with young people’s views. There was little evidence presented of young people being involved in the development of the fostering service. Looked after children have been consulted over the way children’s services meet their needs but not specifically foster children and the way Family Finders meets their needs overall. Such a level of involvement is made implicit in Family Finders Fostering Service’s Statement of Purpose and Function and should therefore Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 28 be developed further. It is recommended that a forum for children and foster carers to be considered with their brief to look at ways the service could be developed.

p.29

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

in decisions about her/his health needs. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There is evidence of health care being promoted within the service from documentation and discussions with carers.

p.30

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

There are good links formed with the health service to ensure proper health provision for looked after children generally, which benefited foster children.

p.30

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

Some health care provision has been innovative and included the involvement of children in looking at health issues facing young people including drug use and sex education.

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

Carers report making provision for children to register with appropriate services such as GP, dentist and optician and ensure regular health checks are carried out.

p.30

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

There was an example of a foster carer ensuring that a foster child had received all their inoculations and health checks.

p.30

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

her/his full potential. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The service is committed to maintaining look after children in local schools. There is good links between education, foster carer, and the children's social worker and link workers. Carers are encouraged to attend meetings on reviews (PEP’s) and do so.

p.30

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

Files reflected a high level of commitment to the educational potential and achievements of foster children.

p.30

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

There were good examples of carers actively promoting educational opportunities and supporting the young people. This included working with the school in matters relating to bullying. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 29 The education support worker service is not fully understood or utilised as effectively as it could be. Carers spoken with were aware there was support but were unclear about how to involve them. Situations at school requiring intervention are therefore not always brought to the support workers attention or resolved as quickly as they might have been.

p.30

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

competence and knowledge necessary for adult living. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 This area was not fully inspected.

p.31

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

There is an aftercare and youth support team accessible to foster children who require this service. The service manager noted improvements for young people leaving care generally in relation to education, employment and accommodation.

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

Foster carers are involved in assisting young people with life and social skills as part of the fostering experience. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 30

p.31

The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

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

p.32

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

sufficient to achieve the purposes and functions of the organisation.

p.32

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

children and young people and to safeguard and promote their welfare. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 Recruitment and selection procedures for appointing staff meet with good practice. Police checks are now renewed every three years.

p.32

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

The assessment of foster carers are carried out by qualified social workers. A senior member of staff supervises new staff in assessment methods and the preparation of reports for the fostering panel. External training on assessments are also made available for new staff.

p.32

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

Staff files examined did not contain detailed references. Referees were not checked by telephone inquiries and the date noted on the file. Managers have reported this to personnel for action.

p.32

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

foster care service. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There is a clear management structure in place. (See standard 2). Link workers stated that workloads are acceptable and regularly monitored through formal monthly supervision.

p.32

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

Some assessments, approvals and reviews of carers are not being managed effectively. (See standard 2)

p.32

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

There is an appropriate level of administrative support in place.

p.32

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

Staff have written contracts, job descriptions and conditions of service. There is a distinction made between link worker and child's social worker in terms of roles that is understood by staff. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 31

p.32

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

people for whom it aims to provide a service. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 1 (See standard 7)

p.33

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

Staff confirmed that they felt there were sufficient link workers to carry out the current work demands.

p.33

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

Given the change in the market choices now available to carers it is recommended that the reasons carers give for leaving the service should be analysed. An ‘ exit interview’ process would be appropriate.

p.33

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

There are aspects of assessments that have not been fully considered as defined in standard 17.7. A number of areas in the F1 assessment that had been presented to panel and had been approved were not carried out effectively in files examined. These related to the ‘valuing diversity’ section and ‘future training needs’ of carers in particular. Other shortfalls were noted. They reflected a lack of training and knowledge by link workers that should have been addressed in supervision. (See standard 2)

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

Some assessments clearly contained link worker's own personal values where this was not needed.

p.33

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

Both applicants as foster carers did not present the same level of information on the FI or completed the same areas of assessment training, particularly male carers. For example a female carer produced several pages of information to cover their education and work history. The male carer provided five sentences only and this was accepted as sufficient information. At panel two references had been sought in one case. The chair’s view was they were essentially identical and gave no new information which defeated the purpose of requesting two references in the first place.

p.33

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

practices and good support for its staff and carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There is an out of hours support service for foster carers that is part of the general support for children's services. This is shortly to include a service solely for foster carers. It will be run by fostering staff and managers and include a number of experienced carers. It is recommended that the ‘take up’ rate by carers is monitored to evaluate how effective the new system is.

p.33

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

There are comprehensive health and safety policies.

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

There is a whistle blowing policy in place and known to both staff and carers. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 32

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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? 2 See standard 16.

p.34

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

There is a training officer providing training support for the fostering team. Specific staff are also involved in the organising and delivery of training in-house. The staff training programme is seen as a developing area.

p.34

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

There is an induction programme for new staff with timescales for achievement.

p.34

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

There is some joint training between link worker's and carers. This tends to be training offered essentially to carers with one link worker attending to represent staff involvement.

p.34

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

Training does not fully reflect the policies of the fostering service as defined in the Statement of Purpose and Function. The manager confirmed that a large part of staff training days are taken up by statutory training. There is insufficient training specific to the work carried out by link workers. For example valuing diversity course is earmarked for carers rather than link workers. The link workers clearly stated that they would wish to attend the course.

p.34

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

Weaknesses in F1 assessments noted in standard 18 and issues around accepting carers with different backgrounds and lifestyles confirm the importance of staff training in this area.

p.34

Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.5)

All staff are properly accountable and supported. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 Staff are offered regular supervision and records kept.

p.34

Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.5)

Evidence from the work practices of link workers show mixed quality of assessments, areas covered in household reviews and supervision of carers have not been picked up effectively through staff supervision which has allowed some poor practices and omissions to occur.

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Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.5)

There are regular staff planned meetings. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 33

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Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

The fostering service has a clear strategy for working with and supporting carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There is a good relationship between the carers support service (AFCAPS) and the Council. Interviews with relevant members of AFCAPS confirmed that carers generally felt valued and listened to by the Council.

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Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

Carers speak highly of the support they received from link workers. There also have self help groups and coffee mornings designed to offer support from carers.

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Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

There are respite care arrangements for carers.

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Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

Where there are single carers such as working male carers then the support system is less effective. It is recommended unrepresentative carers are encouraged to link with similar carers outside of the borough i.e. Havering and Thurrock for example given that they work closely with Southend.

p.35

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

and helps them to develop their skills. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 There are Foster carer agreements in place for all foster carers.

p.35

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

Link workers regularly meet with and supervise carers. Supervision notes are taken and placed on file. Carers receive practical support including prompt payments for extra items in the main.

p.35

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

Carers are aware of the complaints procedure and action to be taken if an allegation is made against them.

p.35

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

Link workers do not regularly read carers diaries or visit unannounced at some stage during the year.

p.35

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

Supervision records generally paid little detailed attention to the development needs of carers. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 34

p.35

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

their care. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The initial NVQ course set up last year was not effectively managed. There is now a better- organized programme in place and a number of foster carers are due to start on the NVQ programme early this year.

p.36

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

Carers report that the pre-approval training offered is of good quality and comprehensive in nature.

p.36

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

Carers confirmed that they received training in safe care.

p.36

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

Courses provided over the last 12 months included drug awareness, challenging discrimination, working with behaviour problems, first aid, child protection and children’s mental health training.

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

Birth children’s needs are taken into account confirmed by Foster carers spoken with.

p.36

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

Male carers in particular did not always attend all the assessment training where their female partner had attended. This needs to be addressed.

p.36

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

Foster carers skills development were not properly identified and therefore do not become part of the annual reviews appraisal of individual carers training and development needs.

p.36

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

Although the effectiveness of carers training is evaluated, there is no evaluation of carers whose partner has attended training and fed back the main points to them. This is accepted practice by the service. Male carers have stated that this is sufficient for them to keep up to date. Evidence from discussions with carers show that male carers who have not attended training over time can be placed in high risk situations when the trained carer is not available.

p.36

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

The fostering service must ensure that all approved carers receive adequate training and that the training is evaluated.

p.36

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

Although there is now a training officer for children's services the training that had been offered was generally inflexible in terms of time, frequency and dates in the view of foster carers spoken with.

p.36

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

There is work carried out by the training officer to ensure the relevance of courses offered. At present any foster carer who requires some specific training relating to the needs of a particular child are unlikely to receive it when required.

p.36

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

Training offered carers should be relevant, take account of their current needs and be varied and flexible in delivery. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 35

p.36

The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

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

p.37

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

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

p.37

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

anyone involved in her/his care. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 A number of case files were inspected and found to be well organised and comprehensive. There is a policy that clarifies what information is to be kept in particular files and files sampled confirmed that this was being followed.

p.37

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

Foster Carers report generally adequate level of information is received in relation to the placed child’s background and history.

p.37

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

The service is now better at requiring placing social workers to complete pre-placement information checklist which also benefits carers.

p.37

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

Carers were able to give a number of examples of their own commitment to assisting the children with understanding their previous history through life storybooks, pictures and other material.

p.37

The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

relevant to the running of the foster care service and as required by regulations. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There is not a system to monitor the quality and adequacy of records in place at the present time. The manager confirmed that there are plans for such a system to be put in place.

p.37

The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

Some foster carers and children were fully aware that they can make additions and changes to their file kept by the service and access the file if they so wish . Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 36 Number of current foster placements supported by the agency: 168 Number of placements made by the agency in the last 12 months: 389

p.37

months:

X Number of new foster carers approved during the last 12 months: 15 Number of foster carers who left the agency during the last 12 months: 15

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Maximum £

X Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 37

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The intended outcome for the following standard is:

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

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Standard 26 (26.1 - 26.5)

Premises used as offices by the fostering service are appropriate for the purpose. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 1 There is a separate building used by the fostering service which is located in a main shopping area. There are appropriate administrative and adequate security arrangements in place.

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Standard 26 (26.1 - 26.5)

The space allocated for storing files is now becoming overwhelmed. Alternative systems of saving redundant files should be considered.

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Standard 26 (26.1 - 26.5)

There is insufficient I.T. equipment for the staff.

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Standard 26 (26.1 - 26.5)

Staff report suffering from a number of physical complaints due to inadequate seating and desks. A recent health and safety assessment has been carried out. Action should be taken to ensure the equipment noted above is appropriate for staff use.

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Standard 26 (26.1 - 26.5)

The interior of the premises is in a poor decorative state.

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Standard 26 (26.1 - 26.5)

Fire extinguishers were last tested in 2000. This must be remedied. The manager stated that appropriate action is being taken to ensure extinguishers are checked. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 38

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

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

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

resources to fulfil its obligations. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The fostering service is linked to the Local Authority financial systems. The Assistant Director for Children & Young People’s services oversees the service and is the named responsible individual for the fostering service.

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

The joint inspection by the NCSC and SSI concluded that the financial resources put into children’s services overall was not sufficient to deliver the quality of service required. Nevertheless the local authority is currently spending a larger portion of the overall budget on services for looked after children above that provided by government.

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

in accordance with sound and appropriate accounting standards and practice. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The service manager was able to evidence that financial systems are in place and all financial arrangements are properly recorded and accounted for. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 39

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

made promptly and at the agreed time. Allowances and fees are reviewed annually. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Rates and allowances for foster carers were clearly stated in relevant documents and carers reported that although most felt the rates were low they received regular payments promptly from the service.

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

Foster carers experienced delays for claims such as travel, waiting up to 6 weeks from the time the claim is made. Senior managers are aware that foster carers are often reminded about getting claims in on a monthly basis. It is recommended that ways to improve the timing of such payments should be examined. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 40

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

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

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

in practice, about the handling of their functions. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 A panel meeting was observed on one occasion and the chair of the panel interviewed. The chair has no direct links with the service, was appropriately qualified and independent. There are procedures in place that include how disagreements between panel members are resolved.

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

The members contributed effectively to the issues raised and their combined experience showed through in the quality of decisions reached. There was frank discussion as to the performance of the fostering service in the process of reaching decisions on the competence of carers.

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

The quality of the documentation supporting approvals were varied with some aspects poorly put together, noted by the chair. Action should be taken to strengthen the ‘quality assurance’ role of the panel to ensure that where assessments and/or supporting evidence is not sufficient that this is followed up by the relevant managers.

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

Where decisions reached included increasing support to carers there was no mechanism in place to show that action had been taken. Such decisions did not appear in household reviews for example which would have been a natural place to make a record of the panel’s recommendation and action taken by the service.

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

The panel chair is aware of the need to introduce new panel members every three years. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 41

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

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

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

of children receiving short-term breaks. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 1 The shared care scheme is currently failing to provide the number of carers and services to disabled children. The service has been unable to recruit a shared care coordinator following advertising and interview. Shared carers have reduced in the last two years to around twelve providers who are seen to offer a good service by the parents of the children who value the service.

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

However without a co-coordinator in post they do not receive any regular supervision. The main contact they have with the service is in relation to organising respite placements and receiving payments.

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

The current situation disadvantages disabled children (see standard 7) and action needs to be taken to remedy the situation. An additional 12 shared carers are needed to offer the level of service required. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 42

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

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

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

carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 This area was not fully inspected on this occasion. There is evidence that the service is attempting to use more kinship carers via a family group conference initiative that is aimed at working with young people and their families.

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

The service manager is aware that although there has been enquiries from kinship carers, the service has not able to follow through on the assessment process. This is ‘choice protects’ monies as a possible source of purchasing assessors to ensure kinship carers are not lost. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 43

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Date

Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 44

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

We would welcome comments on the content of this report relating to the Inspection conducted on 20/01/04 of Southend fostering service ‘Family Finders’ and any factual inaccuracies:

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

Please limit your comments to one side of A4 if possible Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 45

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

Amendments to the report were necessary YES

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

Comments were received from the provider YES

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

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

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

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

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Note:

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

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report:

Action plan was received at the point of publication 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 NA

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Public reports

It should be noted that all NCSC inspection reports are public documents. Reports on children’s homes are only obtainable on personal application to NCSC offices. Southend Fostering Agency (Family Finders) Page 46

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

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

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Date

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

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