Setting

Liverpool City Council Adoption Service

Millennium House, 1st Floor 60 Victoria Street Liverpool L1 6JQ

p.1

Liverpool City Council Adoption Service

10th May 2004 Local Authority Adoption Services

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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?"

p.2

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. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 1

p.2

Headquarters Address

Millennium House, 1st Floor, 60 Victoria Street, Liverpool, L1 6JQ

p.3

Fax No: Address

Millennium House, 1st Floor, 60 Victoria Street, Liverpool, L1 6JQ

p.3

na

Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 2 Date of Inspection Visit 10th May 2004 ID Code

p.4

inspections and bring a different

perspective to the inspection process. None available at this inspection. Name of Specialist (e.g. Interpreter/Signer) (if applicable) Not required.

p.4

Name of Establishment Representative at

the time of inspection Steve Oliver Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 3

p.4

D.3. Provider’s agreement

Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 4

p.6

INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

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

p.6

INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

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

p.6

INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

The Adoption Agencies Regulations 1983 and the Local Authority Adoption Service (England) Regulations 2003 are secondary legislation, with which a service provider must comply. Service providers are expected to comply fully with the National Minimum Standards. The National Minimum standards will form the basis for judgements by the CSCI regarding notices to the local authority and reports to the Secretary of State under section 47 of the Care Standards Act 2000.

p.6

INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

The report follows the format of the National Minimum Standards and the numbering shown in the report corresponds to that of the standards.

p.6

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

p.6

INSPECTION VISITS

Inspections will be undertaken in line with the regulatory framework with additional visits as required. This is in accordance with the provisions of the Care Standards Act 2000. The inspection methods used in the production of this report are set out in Part B. Pre- inspection information, and the manager’s written self-evaluation of the service, have also been taken into account. The report represents the inspector's findings from the evidence found at the specified inspection dates. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 5

p.6

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED

This was the first time that Liverpool City Council’s Adoption Service had been inspected against Local Authority Adoption Service Regulations 2003 and National Minimum Standards. Liverpool City Council Supported Living Children and Families Service aimed to provide a comprehensive adoption service, either directly or through partnerships with other adoption agencies for children, birth families. Prospective adopters, adoptive families and adopted adults.

p.7

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED

The objectives of the service were as follows:

p.7

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED

• To place the welfare, safety and needs of children at the centre of the adoption process. • To ensure that for each child where adoption is the plan delay in achieving an appropriate match is minimised. • To respect and promote the child’s specific needs arising from their ethnicity, culture, religion, language and any disability that they may have. • To listen to children and take into account their wishes and feelings when making decisions on their behalf and to ensure that children are properly prepared for adoption and informed at all stages of the adoption process. • To recruit or identify sufficient numbers of prospective adopters to match the needs of Looked After Children requiring adoption. • To ensure that all enquiries concerning adoption are dealt with promptly and that prospective adopters are welcomed and treated with respect. • To ensure that prospective adopters are provided with clear written information, good

p.7

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED

quality preparation training and are assessed fairly and thoroughly against their ability to provide lifelong care for a child through adoption. • To respect the role of adoptive parents by maintaining links and helping to deliver a range of appropriate support services in response to assessed need. • To recognise the specific needs of birth families in adoption and provide or help to access support services. • To respect birth families wishes and feelings and to take account of their views when planning for adoption. • To maximise the contribution that birth families make to promoting and preserving a child’s heritage and sense of identity. • To provide a service for stepparents who wish to adopt • To ensure provision of Section 51 counselling for adopted adults. • To provide advice and information to those seeking to adopt from overseas to arrange for assessments to be undertaken in partnership with the family and another

p.7

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED

adoption agency. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 6 Overall Liverpool aimed to provide an adoption service, which reflects the lifelong implications of adoption and recognised that effective inter and intra agency working was the only way to achieve this.

p.7

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED

At the time of this inspection the adoption service had been through a number of changes. The service had a team manager who had come into post in February 2004. The resource manager had been the first line manager in the team for a number of years. Both managers were well supported by the family placement group manager. The team had developed some new posts including a recruitment and training officer and a senior practitioner post. The service had also expanded and filled vacancies in the team by transferring staff with a special interest in adoption across from the childcare fieldwork teams. The service had ambitious Local Public Service Agreement’s for numbers of children adopted in 2004-2005. The service were also expanding to meet the needs of the large number of Looked After Children in Liverpool and the correspondingly large number of children waiting for an adoption placement.

p.8

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.) Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 7

p.8

Statement of Purpose 1

One standard was assessed. All aspects of this standard were assessed as met.

p.9

Statement of Purpose 1

Liverpool Adoption Service had a good Statement of Purpose, which reflected the aims and objectives of the service. Staff members confirmed in interviews that the Statement of Purpose was accurate and captured the facilities and the services that the adoption team aimed to provide.

p.9

Statement of Purpose 1

The Statement of Purpose had been reviewed in line with Local Authority Adoption Service Regulations 2003 in March 2004 and had been formally approved by the executive side of the council in April 2004.

p.9

Statement of Purpose 1

Liverpool had developed a lovely children’s guide for children between the ages of 6 to 12 years for whom adoption is the plan. The booklet was available in Braille and Audio formats and could be made available in other languages.

p.9

Securing and Promoting Children’s Welfare 2

One standard was assessed. This standard was assessed as not being met.

p.9

Securing and Promoting Children’s Welfare 2

The service had recognised that there was much to be done to meet the needs of older children, black children and children who were of dual heritage, sibling groups and children with a disability for whom the plan was adoption. The inspection identified that some children were experiencing delay and that the need for a creative, dynamic and local recruitment strategy was essential to thee future success of the service. The implementation of a recruitment strategy will be kept under review by the CSCI.

p.9

All four standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Out of the four standards

three were assessed as nearly met and one was assessed as not met.

p.9

All four standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Out of the four standards

The inspection found evidence that Liverpool’s Adoption Service welcomes interest from prospective adopters without prejudice. All prospective applicants are sent an information pack containing details of the following.

p.9

All four standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Out of the four standards

. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 8 Prospective Adopters enquiring about adopting children from other countries were provided with information regarding cultural issues and the legislative framework surrounding inter- country adoption. Information was also provided about specific criteria or procedures applicable in different countries

p.9

All four standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Out of the four standards

Children waiting were analysed through the Adoption Matrix in terms of age, sibling groups, ethnic, cultural and religious needs and this information was conveyed to prospective adopters. Priority was given to those children waiting . The service had prioritised prospective adopters expressing an interest in adopting older children or sibling groups, given that the service had twelve sibling groups in need of placement at the time of the inspection.

p.10

All four standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Out of the four standards

The service should be mindful of providing prospective adopters with accurate information about waiting times before their assessments start and should ensure that all prospective adopters are advised that they could approach a different agency if they could not offer a placement to a child waiting.

p.10

All four standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Out of the four standards

The inspection found that all prospective adopters undertake a formal, and comprehensive assessment, preparation and approval process.

p.10

All four standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Out of the four standards

Prospective adopters and adopters confirmed in questionnaires that the preparation course had helped to inform them about the needs of children who are looked after and had helped to equip them with an understanding of the implications of adoption and had enabled them to make an informed decision regarding the lifelong commitment of adoption.

p.10

All four standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Out of the four standards

Preparation was followed by the assessment which utilised the BAAF Form F framework and guidance. The inspection found that the quality of completed Form F’s varied across the team, from good to weak and would recommend that external training is identified to ensure that all staff are implementing the BAAF Form F assessment framework and guidance consistently.

p.10

All four standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Out of the four standards

Statutory checks were undertaken on all prospective adopters, members of their household and significant others over the age of 18years, however the service must ensure that e mailed confirmations of status checks are printed off and records kept on file. Some files examined had no record of confirmation of the outcomes of statutory checks.

p.10

All four standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Out of the four standards

A full explanation is given both verbally and in writing as to why the checks are undertaken. Prospective adopters confirmed in case tracking that they were kept informed of progress throughout the assessment to approval and beyond, via regular visits to their homes, phone calls and when necessary in writing.

p.10

All four standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Out of the four standards

The majority of prospective adopters confirmed that they were kept well informed of progress throughout the assessment to approval and beyond, via regular visits to their homes, phone calls and when necessary in writing. A few adopters expressed some concern about lack of information or not being kept informed and updated with changes concerning the assessment or about a proposed match. The inspector recommends that the team should develop a system which can be monitored to ensure that all prospective adopters are contacted about any delays in progressing the assessment or changes regarding a proposed match or placement. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 9

p.10

All three standards were assessed as part of this inspection. One standard was

assessed as nearly met, the other two standards were assessed as met. Liverpool has a service level agreement with “After Adoption: Adoption Agency” which involved provision of support and counselling to birth parents.

p.11

All three standards were assessed as part of this inspection. One standard was

Birth parents were also provided with the BAAF leaflet “if your child is being adopted”

p.11

All three standards were assessed as part of this inspection. One standard was

Training had been provided by the adoption managers for social workers concerning the consultation of birth parents, and the recording of their views on the Form E. The inspectors consider that this training should be supplemented by external training on the preparation of Form E’s for all social workers involved in the adoption service.

p.11

All three standards were assessed as part of this inspection. One standard was

The inspectors were impressed by the investment, development and potential of the Life Card interactive life story system. But consider that the service should ensure a final date for implementing the system given some of the delays that they had experienced (through no fault of their own) from the IT company providing the Life Card technology and server.

p.11

All four standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Out of the four standards

The inspection found that the adoption panel was organised efficiently and effectively. Staff confirmed that the independent panel chair had in their view enhanced the functioning of panel and made staff members more welcome as a result. The panel were aware that they needed to address practice concerning the attendance of prospective adopters in the panel meeting as part of the services action plan.

p.11

All four standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Out of the four standards

The service should ensure that training on overseas adoption is provided for panel members as part of the services action plan. The inspection confirmed that the panel has access to good medical and legal advice.

p.11

All four standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Out of the four standards

The inspector found that the minutes of each panel record clearly the panel’s discussions, reasons, and recommendations. Minutes are agreed as accurate and matters arising are discussed at each subsequent meeting

p.11

All four standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Out of the four standards

Prospective adopters and, subject to age appropriateness, the child or children were informed of the panel recommendation as soon as practicably possible via telephone. The Panel recommendation and following Agency Decision was conveyed in writing within seven days. The service had also put in place a system to notify Birth Parents of the decisions made by the agency in writing.

p.11

Both standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Both standards were

However the service will have to demonstrate how the manager will be supported to achieve Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 10 a management qualification which matches the competencies required by the NVQ Level 4 by 1 st April 2005.

p.11

All three standards were assessed as part of this inspection. The inspection found

that one of the standards was met, and two were nearly met.

p.12

All three standards were assessed as part of this inspection. The inspection found

The inspectors found that the service had been expanded to meet the challenge of National Adoption Standards and National Minimum Standards. The service benefits from having experienced managers who have considerable knowledge about Adoption and child care matters. The inspection found that on a strategic level the service was being managed effectively and efficiently, but that the team managers needed more time to evidence how they will ensure that the service is run in accordance with the Statement of Purpose.

p.12

All three standards were assessed as part of this inspection. The inspection found

The service had recognised that practice concerning referrals to the National Adoption Register for children and adopters needed to be developed consistently across the service. The timescale for resolving some of the inconsistencies across the service should be included as part of the services action plan.

p.12

All three standards were assessed as part of this inspection. The inspection found

The inspectors were impressed by the investment in a performance management system and culture in Liverpool. The Chief Executive, Executive Director, Assistant Executive Director and the Executive Member for children’s services were well informed about the services overall performance and received monthly updates on how the service was matching up against National Adoption Standards and other key performance indicators. All managers tracked the progress of children for whom the plan was adoption via the Adoption Matrix.

p.12

All three standards were assessed as part of this inspection. The inspection found

The inspectors were impressed by the effective working partnerships that Liverpool had developed to meet the needs of adoption service users. As has already been stated the service had service level agreements with After Adoption and Nugent Care adoption agencies. The service had recognised that they needed to develop a written protocol governing the role of specialist advisers and consultants as part of the services action plan.

p.12

Five standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Standard 24 was not

assessed as it relates to voluntary adoption agencies only. Out of the five standards two were met and two were nearly met and one was not met.

p.12

Five standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Standard 24 was not

Social work staff in the adoption service had a recognised social work qualification. This was confirmed by examination of personnel files. Liverpool adoption service recruited all new staff using an Assessment Centre approach which examined candidates competencies in the core Social Work skills and provided an outline developmental plan for future training needs. Liverpool City Council’s Human Resource Service provided an oversight of all recruitment processes.

p.12

Five standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Standard 24 was not

The manager confirmed that all Staff involved in recruitment and selection were experienced managers who had been trained in the assessment centre approach to recruitment. All staff in the adoption service had suitable qualifications, which were listed in the Statement of Purpose. 30% of the adoption team social workers hold PQ1. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 11 The service should demonstrate how they will achieve 20% of social workers being in the process or having the Post Qualifying Child Care Award by 1 st April 2006 as part of their action plan.

p.12

Five standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Standard 24 was not

Given the earlier findings concerning the implementation of child protection procedures concerning looked after children the inspectors consider that the service must ensure that all staff within the adoption service revisit child protection training to ensure compliance with Liverpool’s own child protection policies and procedures.

p.13

Five standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Standard 24 was not

The inspection confirmed that staff were managed and monitored by people who had the appropriate skills and qualifications, Staff advised that they had regular supervision and were clear about levels of management delegation and responsibility.

p.13

Five standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Standard 24 was not

Liverpool had experienced some difficulties regarding workload management. The service had acknowledged these difficulties and senior managers were negotiating with the unions and staff about a workload management system that would benefit the service. The service should provide details of the outcome and implementation of the agreed workload management system as part of their action plan.

p.13

Five standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Standard 24 was not

Staff advised the inspectors that although they were aware of a number of training events available to them that their workloads did not always allow for on going training and appropriate professional and skills development. The need for the service to support staff to gain the full PQ Child Care Award and any other appropriate training, in line with National Minimum Standards, will have to be factored into any team or business plan and should form part of the service action plan.

p.13

Five standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Standard 24 was not

The adequacy of clerical and administrative support will also need to kept under review. The inspection found evidence that the new working environment had caused problems within the team, and had at times undermined the efficient and effective running of the service. A lack of a designated phone line, fax and purpose built office space meant that administrative and social work staff felt their time was not always being spent on cores tasks. The inspectors could appreciate the challenging nature of the office environment and recommend in the strongest terms that the move to the new purpose built offices should take place with ongoing consultation with staff. Further to this interim measures should be put into place in Parklands to make the communication into and within the adoption team much easier. This must include the provision of a designated phone line and designated family placement team fax machine.

p.13

Five standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Standard 24 was not

The Staff Development section provided a comprehensive range of training designed to meet the needs of each service area. Consultation occurs in relation to training needs and there is also access to funding for appropriate external training courses.

p.13

Five standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Standard 24 was not

The induction pack was being redesigned to provide specific service area information in line with TOPSS induction standards. The implementation of the new induction programme should form part of the services action plan.

p.13

Five standards were assessed as part of this inspection. Standard 24 was not

The adoption service organises training to meet some identified needs and also provides training on adoption issues/developments to social workers in other service areas. The inspection found that the service may benefit for accessing external training in the preparation of Form F and Form E.

p.13

Records

Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 12

p.14

as not met, two standards were assessed as met, and one standard was assessed as

The examination of files confirmed that the service must ensure that they keep some form of hard evidence of when statutory checks have taken place and the outcome of the checks if they are to meet Local Authority Adoption Service Regulations 2003. Further to this decisions by supervisors should be recorded on case files. This is in addition to the file audits that take place throughout the service. These decisions should be legible, clearly expressed, signed and dated.

p.14

as not met, two standards were assessed as met, and one standard was assessed as

The adoption service provides relevant information to other adoption agencies at the earliest, appropriate opportunity.

p.14

as not met, two standards were assessed as met, and one standard was assessed as

Liverpool has a clear and well-understood system for authorising the access to adoption case records and their indexes and for authorising disclosure of adoption information in line with Local Authority Adoption Service Regulations 2003 and National Minimum Standards. There is a written policy on case recording, a copy of which was supplied to the inspectors. No one outside of the adoption service can gain official access to any records relating to children and prospective adopters unless the team manager gives permission. All forms F that leave the adoption service are clearly marked indicating that they are confidential documents. Separate records are kept for staff, complaints and allegations.

p.14

as not met, two standards were assessed as met, and one standard was assessed as

Complaints were managed efficiently and effectively by the service.

p.14

as not met, two standards were assessed as met, and one standard was assessed as

Staff files are maintained by the council’s Human Resources Section and were found to meet Local Authority Adoption Service Regulations 2003.

p.14

as not met, two standards were assessed as met, and one standard was assessed as

Panel Members files were maintained by the Panel administrator and held within the Adoption service. Panel members files should be developed to meet National Minimum Standards , but did include signed declarations and CRB checks.

p.14

as not met, two standards were assessed as met, and one standard was assessed as

Records were kept in respect of all the elements mentioned with the exception of training undertaken. Training diaries were being introduced and would be included in staff files in the future.

p.14

This standard was assessed as part of this inspection. This standard was assessed

The service was based in a large open plan office with other social services teams. Home working had been piloted with adoption service social workers having the option of being home or office based. This new way of working had been introduced with a move towards becoming a “paperless” office. There is now heavy reliance on computers and adoption social workers are expected to be able to manage their own administrative work.

p.14

This standard was assessed as part of this inspection. This standard was assessed

During the course of this inspection little support could be found amongst adoption social workers and administrative staff for the new ways of working. Workers reported that there has been insufficient training in how to use the computer systems and this is something the service should address as part of their action plan. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 13 The adoption service cannot be entirely paperless as it relies upon a significant amount of third party information. The inspectors were concerned that the current office has one communal combined fax, printer and photocopier. Confidential information coming into the office can get easily lost. The inspectors consider that given some of the sensitive and highly confidential material concerning adoption that the adoption service must have its own designated fax machine.

p.14

This standard was assessed as part of this inspection. This standard was assessed

Supervision and case discussions take place in the main office in a “pod”, which has partial screening but no sound -proofing. The manager advised that supervision could also take place within the workers home. Staff reported that having supervision in the Parklands raised issues about service user and their own personal/professional confidentiality.

p.15

This standard was assessed as part of this inspection. This standard was assessed

The staff in the adoption service raised concerns about communication systems within the office. At present there is not one designated phone line for enquiries. This has resulted in workers taking a number of messages for other people from other teams. This impacts on their ability to focus on their own work. There is a also a limited number of phone lines available which has resulted in service users and workers not being able to get through to the team.

p.15

This standard was assessed as part of this inspection. This standard was assessed

With regards to security of records, workers who work from home are provided with a three drawer lockable unit.

p.15

This standard was assessed as part of this inspection. This standard was assessed

Files at the office are held within lockable shelving, although they were rapidly running out of space. The service will need to ensure that they have access to additional lockable storage for files as part of the action plan. The inspectors were advised that there is adequate insurance for the premises and its contents.

p.15

This standard was assessed as part of this inspection. This standard was assessed

At the time of the inspection, the difficulties encountered with the new premises and new ways of working had resulted in there being low morale amongst a number of workers in the adoption service.

p.15

This standard was assessed as part of this inspection. This standard was assessed

The inspectors were informed that the adoption service will be moving to a purpose built office in the next twelve months, which will provide accommodation for all the child care staff within the service.

p.15

This standard was assessed as part of this inspection. This standard was assessed

The inspectors do not consider that the current working environment provides social work or administrative staff with an office that is fit for purpose at the present time and recommends in the strongest terms that representatives from all staff within the adoption service are consulted at length and involved wherever possible in the design of the new working environment and offices. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 14 Reports and Notifications to the Local Authority and Secretary of State

p.15

This standard was assessed as part of this inspection. This standard was assessed

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

p.16

This standard was assessed as part of this inspection. This standard was assessed

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

p.16

This standard was assessed as part of this inspection. This standard was assessed

NA Notice to the Local Authority under section 47(5) of the Care Standards Act 2000 of failure(s) to satisfy regulatory requirements in their adoption service which are not substantial, and specifying the action the Commission considers the Authority should take to remedy the failure(s), informing the Secretary of State of that Notice:

p.16

This standard was assessed as part of this inspection. This standard was assessed

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

p.16

This standard was assessed as part of this inspection. This standard was assessed

NA Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(1) of the Care Standards Act 2000 of substantial failure to satisfy regulatory requirements by a Local Authority adoption service:

p.16

The grounds for the above Report or Notice are:

Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 15

p.17

(Not relevant at first CSCI inspection)

Requirements from last Inspection visit fully actioned? NA

p.17

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Identified below are areas not addressed from the last inspection report which indicate a non-compliance with the Care Standards Act 2000, the Adoption Agencies Regulations 1983 and the Local Authority Adoption Service (England) Regulations 2003. No. Regulation Standard Required actions Timescale for action

p.17

Action is being taken by the Commission for Social Care Inspection to monitor

compliance with the above requirements. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 16

p.17

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS IDENTIFIED DURING THIS INSPECTION

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

p.18

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Identified below are areas addressed in the main body of the report which indicate non- compliance with the Care Standards Act 2000, the Adoption Act 1976, the Adoption Agencies Regulations 1983, the Local Authority Adoption Service (England) Regulations 2003 or the National Minimum Standards for Local Authority Adoption Services. The Authority is required to comply within the given time scales in order to comply with the Regulatory Requirements for adoption services. No. Regulation Standard * Requirement Timescale for action 9. 1 (a), (b)

p.18

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

9.2 (b) and (c) LA2 Liverpool must ensure that all staff follow correct policies and procedures in the event of any allegation of abuse or neglect. 1.9.04

p.18

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

2 7 LA2 Liverpool must ensure the implementation and evaluation of a recruitment strategy to meet the needs of those children waiting. 1.12.04

p.18

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

3 7 LA5 Liverpool must ensure that adopters are provided with accurate and up to date information concerning a child’s assessed needs. 1.12.04

p.18

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

4 7 LA20 The service must ensure effective and confidential communication particularly with information that is faxed and a telephone line to ensure that the adoption service is managed with care competence and skill. 1.10.04

p.18

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

8.2 (a) and (b) LA25 The service must ensure that they set up a case file and place on it any information required to meet regulation 8 and schedule VI of the Adoption Agency Regulations 1983(amended 2003) 1.10.04

p.18

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

6 14.4 LA29 The service must ensure that they have access to additional lockable storage for active adoption files. This storage must meet the Adoption Agency Regulations. 1.10.04 Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 17 7 14.4 LA29 The service should develop a disaster recovery plan which meets National Minimum Standards and Local Authority Adoption Service Regulations 2003. 1.12.04

p.18

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

p.19

GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

1 LA3 The service should provide adopters with accurate information about waiting times before their assessments starts.

p.19

GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

2 LA3 The service should ensure that all prospective adopters are advised that they could approach a different agency if they cannot offer a placement to a child waiting.

p.19

GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

3 LA5 The service should access external training to ensure that all staff are implementing the BAAF Form E and F assessment framework and guidance consistently. This recommendation is linked to Statutory Requirement 3 above.

p.19

GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

4 LA6 The service should develop a clear and overarching strategy for working with and supporting adopters, which incorporates the role and responsibilities of the child care social worker.

p.19

GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

5 LA8 The service should ensure a final date for implementing the Life Card system.

p.19

GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

6 LA10 The service should demonstrate how they can make panel more accessible to adoptive applicants.

p.19

GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

7 LA11 The service should ensure that training on overseas adoption is provided for panel members.

p.19

GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

8 LA14 The service should demonstrate how the manager will be supported to achieve a management qualification which matches the competencies required by the NVQ Level 4 by 1 st April 2005.

p.19

GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

9 LA16 Liverpool should demonstrate how they monitor the adoption service and ensure that it is run in accordance with the Statement of Purpose. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 18 10 LA16 The service should ensure that practice concerning referrals to the National Adoption Register for children and adopters is developed consistently across the service.

p.19

GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

11 LA18 The service should develop a written protocol governing the role of specialist advisers and consultants.

p.20

GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

12 LA19 The service should demonstrate how they will achieve 20% of social workers being in the process or having the Post Qualifying Child Care Award by 1 st April 2006.

p.20

GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

13 LA20 The service should provide details of the outcome and implementation of the agreed workload management system.

p.20

GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

14 LA20 The service should demonstrate how their investment in Information Technology will be implemented effectively.

p.20

GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

15 LA23 The service should implement an induction programme in line with TOPSS Induction Standards in England.

p.20

GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

16 LA25 The service should ensure that any decisions by supervisors should be recorded on case files. These decisions should be legible, clearly expressed, signed and dated.

p.20

GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

17 LA28 Panel members files should be developed to meet National Minimum Standards.

p.20

GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

18 LA29 The service should consult with representatives from all staff within the adoption service at length and involve them wherever possible in the design of the new working environment and offices.

p.20

GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

19 LA6 Liverpool should ensure that all children and adopters approved, matched and placed between October 2003 and February 2004 have a post adoption support plan as part of the services action plan

p.20

GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

• Note: You may refer to the relevant standard in the remainder of the report by omitting the 2-letter prefix e.g. LA10 refers to Standard 10. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 19

p.20

PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

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

p.21

PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

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

p.21

PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Date of Inspection 10/5/04 Time of Inspection 0900 Duration Of Inspection (hrs) 114 Number of Inspector days 10 Additional Inspection Questions: Certificate of Registration was displayed at time of inspection NA The certificate of registration accurately reflected the situation in the service at the time of inspection NA

p.21

PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Total Number of staff employed (excluding managers) 16 Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 20 The following pages summarise the key findings and evidence from this inspection, together with the CSCI assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards have been met. The following scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"

p.21

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)

p.22

PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

"0" in the "Standard met?" box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. "9" in the "Standard met?" box denotes standard not applicable on this occasion. “X” is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 21

p.22

The intended outcome for the following standard is:

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

p.23

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

which describes accurately what facilities and services they provide. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Liverpool Adoption Service have a good Statement of Purpose which reflects the aims and objectives of the service. Staff members confirmed in interviews that the Statement of Purpose was accurate and captured the facilities and the services that the adoption team aim to provide. The Statement of Purpose had been reviewed in line with Local Authority Adoption Service Regulations 2003 in March 2004 and had been formally approved by the executive side of the council in April 2004. Liverpool had developed a lovely children’s guide for children between the ages of 6 to 12 years for whom adoption is the plan. The booklet was available in Braille and Audio formats and could be made available in other languages. Older children, with an adoption plan, were provided with the booklet produced by BAAF entitled “Adoption, what it is and what it means”.

p.23

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

In addition Social Workers working with children for whom adoption is the plan use a booklet called “What Does Adopted Mean” by Edith A Nicholls. This book is used as a tool to work directly with children. The booklet is personalised for each individual child and the child’s personal information is incorporated into it providing an interactive method of information giving about the process of adoption from the beginning to the making of an adoption order.

p.23

executive side of the council?

Is there a children’s guide to adoption? YES

p.23

information required by Standard 1.4?

YES Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 22

p.23

The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

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

p.24

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

children waiting for adoption locally. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 1 Liverpool City Council had reviewed and revised their recruitment strategy in an effort to meet the needs of the Looked After Children of Liverpool waiting to be adopted. The very recent development of the recruitment strategy had meant that the service had not been able to assess their success and evaluate the impact of the recruitment strategy at the time of the inspection. Given the large numbers of Looked After Children in Liverpool and the number of children waiting for adoptive placements the successful implementation and evaluation of the recruitment strategy is essential to the ability of the service to meet the needs of the children in Liverpool and will be kept under review by the CSCI. A Recruitment and Marketing Officer had recently been appointed who would be responsible for devising and implementing activities to attract prospective adopters. Again the very

p.24

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

recent appointment into this post made it difficult to assess the impact that the Recruitment and Marketing officer would have on identifying adopters who could meet the needs of harder to place children. Of particular concern was the need to recruit carers for: black and dual heritage children, older children and groups of brothers and sisters. At the time of the inspection the case tracking identified that difficulties in identifying placements for a number of sibling groups and black and dual heritage children was leading to delay. The case tracking during the inspection highlighted some issues, in one particular case, regarding a lack of clarity in the adoption service about child protection procedures concerning looked after children. Whilst the procedures were clearly set out ,there was evidence that managers were not as familiar with them as they should have been. The service must ensure that these procedures are followed in all cases. This may include

p.24

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

reviewing the training needs of the staff. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 23

p.24

In the last 12 months:

How many children were identified as needing adoptive families? 72 How many children were matched with adopters? 45 How many children were placed with the service’s own adopters? 43 How many children were placed with other services’ adopters? 2 How many children were referred to the Adoption Register? 0

p.25

adopters does this represent?

97 % How many sibling groups were matched in the last 12 months? 4

p.25

waiting for a match to be identified?

Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 24

p.26

The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• The adoption agency recruits and supports sufficient adopters from

p.26

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

to achieve a successful and lasting placement.

p.26

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

treated fairly, openly and with respect throughout the adoption process. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The inspection found evidence that Liverpool’s Adoption Service welcomes interest from prospective adopters without prejudice. All prospective applicants are sent an information pack containing details of the following.

p.26

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

¾ The Initial visit preparation and training. ¾ An overview of the children waiting to be adopted including age ranges, ethnicity and sibling groups. ¾ Information about adoption support services including post adoption support. ¾ The role of the Adoption panel and guidance involving their attendance when their assessment is to be considered. ¾ An opportunity to meet representatives of the Adoption Team at informal drop in sessions.

p.26

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

The eligibility criteria is included in the information sent out to prospective adopters and was also outlined in the Statement of Purpose, which was available to all interested parties upon request. Prospective Adopters enquiring about adopting children from other countries were provided with information regarding cultural issues and the legislative framework surrounding inter- country adoption. Information was also provided about specific criteria or procedures applicable in different countries. Children waiting were analysed through the Adoption Matrix in terms of age, sibling groups, ethnic, cultural and religious needs and this information was conveyed to prospective adopters. Priority was given to those children waiting. The service had developed a system to prioritise prospective adopters expressing an interest in adopting older children or sibling groups, given that the service had twelve sibling groups in need of placement at the time of

p.26

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

the inspection. The service should be mindful of providing prospective adopters with accurate information about waiting times before their assessments start and should ensure that all prospective adopters are advised that they could approach a different agency if they could not offer a placement to a child waiting. All prospective adopters were provided with an information pack containing information. (“Adopting Children; your questions answered”) All applicants confirmed that they had the opportunity to meet with others who have Adopted during the preparation and assessment process. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 25 Approved adopters were provided with information about post adoption support groups facilitated by the “After Adoption” agency on behalf of Liverpool City Council. Approved adopters when linked to a specific child were provided with information as presented on the Form E to the Adoption Panel. However a number of carers expressed

p.26

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

concern about the quality of some of the Form E’s and had experienced some problems in accessing accurate information about a child both before and after the match and early placement. This is an area that is dealt with in more depth in Standard 5 of this report.

p.27

Prospective adopters are involved in a formal, thorough and comprehensive

assessment, preparation and approval process. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The inspection found that all prospective adopters undertake a formal, and comprehensive assessment, preparation and approval process. Prospective adopters and adopters confirmed in questionnaires that the preparation course had helped to inform them about the needs of children who are looked after and had helped to equip them with an understanding of the implications of adoption and had enabled them to make an informed decision regarding the lifelong commitment of adoption. Preparation was followed by the assessment, which utilised the BAAF Form F framework and guidance. The inspection found that the quality of completed Form F’s varied across the team, from good to weak and would recommend that external training is identified to ensure that all staff are implementing the BAAF Form F assessment framework and guidance

p.27

Prospective adopters are involved in a formal, thorough and comprehensive

consistently. Liverpool City Council have a service level agreement with a voluntary adoption agency (The Nugent Care Society) to ensure that prospective adopters who wish to adopt a child from another country are prepared and assessed appropriately. The inspector found evidence that preparation training and materials used are developed with close attention to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice. Preparation groups were organised at various times including evenings and weekends to meet the needs of the applicants. The service evaluated and reviewed each preparation group straight after training and implemented changes prior to starting any new groups. The inspectors found that the Adoption Workers involved in preparation training consider “what does and what does not work” along with the feedback provided by participants to inform changes made. The service had recently sent out an evaluation questionnaire to all adopters and

p.27

Prospective adopters are involved in a formal, thorough and comprehensive

prospective adopters who had been assessed in the past two years. The service planned to use feedback from the questionnaire to inform service development and practice. The results of this survey were not available at the time of this inspection. The inspectors consider that the service should be commended for this type of consultation and recommend that the team should seek to consult with service users on a regular and frequent basis. Foster Carers requests to be assessed as adopters for a child or children they are fostering were considered against the criteria detailed in the Statement Of Purpose. Foster carer’s received the same information as other prospective adopters and the assessment process was also the same. Assessments of foster carers as prospective adopters were completed within four months in accordance with the National Adoption Standards. The inspectors found evidence that the preparation of prospective adopters was planned

p.27

Prospective adopters are involved in a formal, thorough and comprehensive

carefully and sensitively taking into account the various experiences and motivations behind their desire to adopt. Preparation, by the provision of information, meeting adopters, individual discussion and Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 26 training exercises, was designed to address and identify competencies, strengths and additional training needs. All the checks mentioned were undertaken on all prospective adopters, members of their household and significant others over the age of 18years, however the service must ensure that e mailed confirmations of status checks are printed off and records kept on file. A full explanation is given both verbally and in writing as to why the checks are undertaken. The majority of prospective adopters confirmed in case tracking that they were kept informed of progress throughout the assessment to approval and beyond, via regular visits to their homes, phone calls and when necessary in writing.

p.27

Prospective adopters are involved in a formal, thorough and comprehensive

Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 27

p.29

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

need. This will include the role of the Adoption Register for England and Wales. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The majority of prospective adopters confirmed that they were kept well informed of progress throughout the assessment to approval and beyond, via regular visits to their homes, phone calls and when necessary in writing. A few adopters expressed some concern about lack of information or not being kept informed and updated with changes concerning a proposed match. The inspector recommends that the team should develop a system which can be monitored to ensure that all prospective adopters are contacted about any changes with the proposed matching and placement of a child. The booklet “Adopting Children: Your Questions Answered” provided information about the processes of adoption and the types of support services available. The preparation groups also addressed the matching, introduction and placement and

p.29

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

support that adopters may need. Information regarding the Adoption Register for England and Wales was also provided during the preparation and assessment process. Prospective adopters confirmed that they were shown a copy of the BAAF Form E on a child and were helped to understand the contents by the assessing Social Worker. However as has already been mentioned the service may benefit from accessing external training in the preparation of Form E’s, as a number of adopters raised the lack of significant information about the child on the Form E as an issue. Adopters have an opportunity to meet the child’s Social Worker and are also given the opportunity to meet the medical adviser to the panel if requested. A Professional instruction notice and associated practice guidance was issued to all Social Workers effective from 1 st March 2004 concerning the need for social workers to record whether adoptive parents are prepared to agree to notify the agency if their adopted child

p.29

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

dies during childbirth or soon afterwards. The practice guidance covers the need for such a procedure and a method of recording such discussions on the prospective adopter’s file. The inspectors found evidence that this issue was also recorded on the BAAF Form F presented to the Adoption Panel and was checked by the panel chair. Prospective adopters were encouraged and helped to produce “Family Books” which describe themselves, their families, pets, lifestyles hobbies etc these will include photographs and often videos. “Family Books” were prepared with the chosen age range of the child in mind.

p.29

Adoption Register?

YES Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 28

p.29

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

for the children placed with them. Key findings and evidence Standard met? 2 A number of adopters praised the efforts of their social worker in supporting them throughout the adoption, matching and placement process, although a number expressed concern about the lack of support from the childcare social worker. The service should consider the need to develop a clear and overarching strategy for working with and supporting adopters, which incorporates the role and responsibilities of the child care social worker. The service had introduced post adoption support assessments in February 2004. Although this procedure was late in being implemented the written assessments seen of support needs for individual children, prospective adopters, and adopters and birth children were based upon the BAAF Adoption Support Plan forms. There was evidence that post adoption support plans were beginning to become an established part of practice at the time of the inspection. However the service must ensure

p.30

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

that all children and adopters approved, matched and placed between October 2003 and February 2004 have a post adoption support plan as part of the services action plan. Liverpool has a direct work team that has a remit to work specifically with looked after and adopted children, the support of this team, where appropriate was available both pre and post adoption. The adoption service had recently sent some of the direct work team on a BAAF course concerning race, identity and attachment. The intention was to cascade the training throughout the adoption and fostering team. The direct work team also provided a resource to adopters to help them to support a child to address racism and other forms of discrimination. The inspectors found that adopters and children placed for adoption may benefit from access to specialist advice and resources, in addition to the direct work team, concerning the need to develop strategies to help children address racism and other forms of discrimination.

p.30

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

This should form part of the services action plan and will be reviewed by the CSCI. The service has an arrangement with Nugent Care Society Adoption Agency to conduct assessments of prospective inter-country adopters. An Adoption Worker from Liverpool provided post placement support and advice for families who wished to adopt a child from another country. The Liverpool Adoption Service would also prepare the Schedule 2 report. The need for the adoptive parents to support the child to develop and maintain a positive sense of self-identity was addressed during the assessment, preparation and training of prospective adopters. The importance of lifework was stressed and guidance given on how to get the most out of life story work. The inspectors were interested in the innovative approach to life story book work that the service had adopted. The development of a sophisticated but simple to use interactive

p.30

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

programme for developing and recording life work will be a central part of the service’s approach to supporting children and adopters. The inspectors are fascinated by the impact that this development will have and are anxious that staff, birth parents, foster carers and adopters have the opportunity to access training concerning the use and development of the Life Card before it is implemented. The inspectors consider that the service should be commended for this innovative approach, but should be mindful of providing training which ensures the successful implementation of the Life Card. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 29 Planning meetings were used to provide a forum with the overall aim of supporting families and preventing breakdown or disruption and the service was working with the consortium to consider the provision of independent chairs being provided across the consortia boundaries. The service should ensure that practice concerning disruption meetings is

p.30

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

confirmed with partners in the consortium as part of the action plan.

p.31

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

Number of adopter applications started in the last 12 months 42

p.31

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

Number of adopters approved in the last 12 months 26

p.31

last 12 months

Number of adopters approved but not matched 1

p.31

last 12 months

Number of adopters referred to the Adoption Register 0

p.31

and adoption, in the last 12 months?

Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 30

p.32

The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• Birth parents are entitled to services that recognise the lifelong

p.32

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

respect throughout the adoption process.

p.32

Standard 7 (7.1 – 7.5)

The service to birth parents recognises the lifelong implications of adoption. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 Liverpool has a service level agreement with “After Adoption: Adoption Agency” which involves provision of support and counselling to birth parents. Birth parents were also provided with the BAAF leaflet “if your child is being adopted”. Assessment of the birth parents needs were included in Liverpool’s Adoption Support Policy. It was an expectation that all Liverpool Social Workers endeavour to work in partnership with all birth parents. Birth parents were invited to and encouraged to participate in meetings about their child including planning meetings and reviews. Guidance had been issued concerning obtaining birth parents views, wishes and feelings which should have been recorded on the BAAF Form E. It was expected that the information on the Form E should be shared with birth parents and signed by the birth parents.

p.32

Standard 7 (7.1 – 7.5)

Birth parents were encouraged to contribute to the Life story books and will be asked to contribute to the child’s Life Card, when the system is fully developed and implemented. The agreement with the After Adoption Agency includes support for parents without children. It was an expectation that information written about birth parents was shared and birth parents were given the opportunity to comment on what was written. Training had been provided by the adoption managers for social workers concerning the consultation of birth parents, and the recording of their views on the Form E. The inspectors consider that this training should be supplemented by external training on the preparation of Form E’s for all social workers involved in the adoption service. This good practice recommendation is linked to standard 5.

p.32

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

child’s heritage. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 As has already been stated the inspection found evidence that Birth parents were encouraged to contribute to the information included in Life Story Work. As part of Liverpool’s Service Level Agreement with After Adoption, the Agency facilitated an information exchange (Letter box) service between Adopted and Birth Families. When possible arrangements were made for birth parents to meet adoptive parents. Information gathering started at the earliest opportunity and guidance was issued in respect of interviewing birth parents to obtain significant information. This information is included in the Life story books and the Life Card will allow for this information to be provided in an interactive user- friendly format. The information exchange system will allow for this information to be updated. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 31 The inspectors were impressed by the investment and development of the Life Card system,

p.32

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

but consider that the service should ensure a final date for implementing the system given some of the delays that they had experienced (through no fault of their own) from the IT company providing the Life Card technology and server.

p.33

includes providing information about local and national support groups and services

and helping birth parents to fulfil agreed plans for contact. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The service had developed a range of partnerships with specialist Adoption Support Agencies to meet this standard. The service had acknowledged that practice needed to be developed through out the service concerning working with and supporting birth parents and birth families both before and after adoption. This issue has been dealt with in another standard and therefore the inspectors consider that Liverpool Adoption Services commitment to continuing to develop their strategy for working with birth parents and birth families can be considered as met. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 32

p.33

The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

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

p.34

children suitable for adoption, the suitability of prospective adopters and

the matching of children and approved adopters.

p.34

children suitable for adoption, the suitability of prospective adopters and

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

p.34

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

their functions and ensure that they are implemented. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The service had developed policy and procedures with the assistance of the Independent Adoption Panel Chairperson concerning panel procedures and functions. The service ensured that the panel was properly constituted,. Adoption panel members confirmed that they had been issued with the recently revised Statement of Purpose. The amended policies and procedures could be found in the professional instruction notice called “The Adoption Panel” and included the following: ¾ The functions of the Adoption Panel and guidance for attendance. ¾ The constitution and membership of the panel. ¾ The chairperson’s role in ensuring the panel is quorate. ¾ Declaration of interests. ¾ Decision making and the process when consensus can not be reached. The panel administrator confirmed that she contacts the panel chair to ascertain availability

p.34

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

and contacts other panel members to arrange an emergency panel, such a panel would only be arranged under exceptional circumstances. The inspection found that the Chairperson provides feedback formally twice a year to the Group Manager for Adoption And Fostering. The vice chair of the panel, who was interviewed as part of this inspection, brings back practice issues regularly to the team manager and group manager were necessary. A system is to be introduced of providing quarterly reports detailing the business of the panel and progress to the group manager and the AED. A policy of encouraging prospective adopters to attend panel had been introduced, however practice had not reflected the policy as no prospective adopters had attended a panel at the time of the inspection. The service had provided training on this issue, but needs to reflect on additional ways to make panel more accessible to adoptive applicants if they can be

p.34

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

assessed as meeting this standard. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 33

p.34

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

for the overseas country. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The constitution of the panel was included in the Adoption Panel Professional instruction notice. The panel were provided with information regarding legislative changes but training had not yet been delivered on a regular basis. The service should develop training for panel members in line with National Minimum Standards as part of the services action plan. The Panel Membership was being reviewed at the time of the inspection and there were plans to include a senior practitioner from the adoption service with a developmental and training remit. Mersey Region Consortium had arranged joint panel training and had scheduled another training event. All current panel members are long standing. The current panel is under review and this will result in new members being inducted which will include an opportunity for all new members to observe a panel before taking up full panel duties.

p.35

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

All panel members had an enhanced CRB and other statutory checks before commencing their duties. A Panel induction programme within set timescales was included in the review of panel membership. Members were provided with updates in respect of internal policy and procedural issues. Time permitting national developments and other adoption related issues were discussed at panel meetings. The service should ensure that training on overseas adoption is provided for panel members as part of the services action plan. The inspection confirmed that the panel has access to good medical and legal advice.

p.35

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

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

p.35

requirements?

YES Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 34

p.35

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

and adopters. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Adoption Panels are held on the first Monday of each month, with arrangements for alternative panel dates when Bank Holiday’s clash. There is a panel administrator who organises the information and keeps the records for each panel. All staff spoke positively of the impact that the independent panel chairperson had had on the experience of attending panel. All panel reports are required to be with the Panel Administrator two weeks prior to the panel and all reports and information on panel business is sent to panel members one week prior to the Panel date. The panel administrator uses a laptop to record the minutes of the meeting. The minutes of the meeting were found to be accurate and informative and clearly stated the panel’s discussion, reasons for conclusions reached, and all recommendations made. The inspector found that the minutes of each panel record clearly the panel’s discussions,

p.36

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

reasons, and recommendations. Minutes are agreed as accurate and matters arising are discussed at each subsequent meeting .

p.36

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

the child. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The Assistant Executive Director is the agency decision maker and considers all recommendations and makes his decision within seven working days of the Adoption Panel. All decisions were made with due regard to the duty to promote and safeguard the welfare of the child. The decision maker was provided with the minutes of each panel, full recommendations and reasons for recommendations. The decision maker could also when necessary choose to discuss particular issues with the Panel Chair or any other relevant staff member prior to reaching a decision . Prospective adopters and, subject to age appropriateness, the child or children were informed of the panel recommendation as soon as practicably possible via telephone. This was followed up in writing within seven days. The service had also put in place a system to notify Birth Parents of the decisions made by panel in writing.

p.36

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

Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 35

p.37

The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

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

p.37

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

• possess the necessary knowledge and experience of child care and

p.37

adoption law and practice and

• have management skills and financial expertise to manage the work

p.37

efficiently and effectively and

• ensure that it is run on a sound financial basis and in a professional manner. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The Group manager for The Adoption and Fostering Service in Liverpool had twenty years experience of working in child care. The Team Manager of the Adoption Service in Liverpool had twenty seven years experience of working in child care. The Social Work Resource Manager of the Adoption Service In Liverpool had twenty nine years experience in child care. Liverpool City Council is a large Local Authority with a designated Financial Services section. The manager advised that monthly budget meetings in respect of the Fostering and Adoption Service take place to review expenditure in relation to adoption, with the advice of a finance manager. All staff confirmed that the agency was run on a sound financial basis and that there was appropriate access to resources. The Team Manager of the Adoption Team had the following professional qualifications:

p.37

efficiently and effectively and

Certificate of Qualification in Social Work. Diploma of Applied Social Studies The Social Work Resource Manager had the following professional qualification: Certificate of Qualification in Social Work. The service will have to demonstrate how the manager will be supported to achieve a management qualification which matches the competencies required by the NVQ Level 4 by 1 st April 2005.

p.37

of working in a childcare setting in last 5 years?

YES Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 36

p.37

voluntary organisation or business concerned with safeguarding and promoting the

welfare of children. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Examination of staff files confirmed that all staff members, including the managers have a Criminal Records Bureau check. Each referee is contacted by telephone to verify written references. The Supported Living Directorate have developed a system to ensure that Criminal Records Bureau checks are renewed every three years in line with National Minimum Standards and Local Authority Adoption Service Regulations 2003. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 37

p.38

The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

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

p.39

Standard 16 (16.1 – 16.7)

The adoption agency is managed effectively and efficiently. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The inspectors found that the service had been expanded to meet the challenge of National Adoption Standards and National Minimum Standards. The service benefits from having experienced managers who have considerable knowledge about Adoption and child care matters. The inspection found that on a strategic level the service was being managed effectively and efficiently, but that the team managers needed more time to evidence how they will ensure that the service is run in accordance with the Statement of Purpose. The management structure of the adoption service provides for clear lines of responsibility and delegated powers. The resource manager, team manager and group manager are able to delegate for one another when one of the management team is absent. The team manager was available to all staff on a day to day basis. Team meetings take

p.39

Standard 16 (16.1 – 16.7)

place on a monthly basis with shorter team briefing meetings every two weeks. Liverpool City Council has a clearly defined code of conduct, including a conflict of interest, to which all staff had access through the City Council Intranet Service. Liverpool City Council has an equal opportunities policy, which promotes anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice. The inspection found that front line staff were able to demonstrate awareness of anti-discriminatory practice. But the service had some way to go before they had developed systems which demonstrated that staff who work with children and adults in the adoption service take into account and respect racial origin, religion, culture, language, sexuality, gender and disability. Further to this the service needed to develop systems, which evidenced a birth parents experience and understanding of adoption. The service had recognised that practice concerning referrals to the National Adoption

p.39

Standard 16 (16.1 – 16.7)

Register for children and adopters needed to be developed consistently across the service. The timescale for resolving some of the inconsistencies across the service should be included as part of the services action plan.

p.39

Number of the above complaints which were substantiated

Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 38

p.40

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

adoption agency and ensuring quality performance. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The inspectors were impressed by the investment in a performance management system and culture in Liverpool. The Chief Executive, Executive Director, Assistant Executive Director and the Executive Member for children’s services were well informed about the services overall performance and received monthly updates on how the service was matching up against National Adoption Standards and other key performance indicators. All managers tracked the progress of children for whom the plan was adoption via the Adoption Matrix. The senior management and Executive of the council acknowledged that the service had started out from a very low base and were determined to drive forward service improvements. The council considered that the adoption service played a key role in delivering better outcomes for looked after children in Liverpool and were committed to their

p.40

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

role as corporate parents. Liverpool adoption service had clear information concerning any charges for services, and had recently implemented clear guidelines on the amount of adoption support allowances available for adopters.

p.40

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

needs. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The inspectors were impressed by the effective working partnerships that Liverpool had developed to meet the needs of adoption service users. As has already been stated the service had service level agreements with After Adoption and Nugent Care adoption agencies. The service had access to the Direct Work Team and had an effective working relationship with CAHMS who provided a priority service for Looked After Children, which included all adopted children. Liverpool had a Consultant Community Paediatrician as medical adviser to the Adoption Panel. He was available for consultation regarding general health issues relating to children and adults involved in the adoption process. Liverpool City Council also had a designated nurse for looked after children which included children awaiting adoption. The Principal Solicitor from Liverpool City Council Child Care Business Unit, Legal Services

p.40

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

Department was the legal adviser to the panel. The service had recognised that they needed to develop a written protocol governing the role of specialist advisers and consultants as part of the services action plan. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 39

p.40

The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

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

p.41

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

young people and to safeguard and promote their welfare. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 Social work staff had a recognised social work qualification, This was confirmed by examination of personnel files. Liverpool adoption service recruited all new staff using an Assessment Centre approach which examines candidates competencies in the core Social Work skills and provided an outline developmental plan for future training needs. Liverpool City Council’s Human Resource Service provided an oversight of all recruitment processes. The manager confirmed that all Staff involved in recruitment and selection were experienced managers who had been trained in the assessment centre approach to recruitment. Every manager has experience as an assistant assessor and the assessment centre is led by a senior manager with experience of at least three previous assessment centres. Successful candidates from the assessment centres do not take up their posts until

p.41

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

satisfactory references have been received and references have been verified. Enhanced CRB checks along with health checks are also carried out prior to commencement of employment. The service should be mindful that when employing staff from an agency, that the service needs to undertake their own Criminal Records Bureau to meet Local Authority Adoption Service Regulations 2003 and National Minimum Standards. The service had developed practice concerning the follow up of written references with a telephone call. In addition to this the service had developed a system to ensure that staff working in the Adoption service have current and updated enhanced CRB check in accordance with Local Authority Adoption Service Regulations 2003. All staff in the adoption service had suitable qualifications, which were listed in the Statement of Purpose. 30% of the adoption team social workers hold PQ1. The service should

p.41

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

demonstrate how they will achieve 20% of social workers being in the process or having the Post Qualifying Child Care Award by 1 st April 2006 as part of their action plan Liverpool City Council Supported Living has a training and development programme aimed at all levels of experience. Core topics included the Use of the Framework for Assessment of Children in Need, Child Protection and the statutory framework in which social work operates. Newly recruited Social workers were required to enrol for PQ training within the first three months of appointment. Given the earlier findings concerning the implementation of child protection procedures concerning looked after children the inspectors consider that the service must ensure that all staff within the adoption team revisit child protection training to ensure compliance with Liverpool’s own child protection policies and procedures. Established members of the adoption team confirmed that they had a Personal Development

p.41

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

Plan, which identifies individual training needs. However newly transferred staff did not have an updated Personal Development Plan and this is something that the service should address as part of the action plan. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 40 All adoption staff confirmed in interview that they have access to funding to attend appropriate external courses. Staff advised that team meetings include a regular training element and had been used to keep them informed about the recent changes in Adoption Legislation and about changes to policy and procedures. The adoption service also had designated workers within a direct work team who were available to offer advice and guidance to other Social workers as well as direct work with adopted or children for whom the plan was adoption. The Complaints procedure is cascaded to all staff and regular training events are held to inform and update staff on the procedures.

p.41

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

Liverpool City Council Supported Living had a designated nurse responsible for the health of Looked After Children and provided a link between the Health Service and Social Workers. The Looked After Children’s nurse was also a member of the adoption support panel and offered her expertise in meeting the health needs of adopted children. Liverpool City Council Supported Living had a virtual school for looked after children. This consisted of a head teacher, teachers, support staff and a board of governors designed to address the educational needs of all looked after children including those with plans for adoption or who had been adopted. The Virtual School offers advice and guidance on all aspects affecting the education of children and provided an important link between social workers and the Education Service. Staff interviews, case tracking and examination of files confirmed that all Social Workers

p.42

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

undertaking assessments of adoptive parents were experienced and trained. Birth Counselling under Section 51 of the Adoption Act 1976 was carried out on behalf of Liverpool City Council by the After Adoption Agency. The service level agreement with the agency ensured that their staff were suitably trained and experienced to conduct this type of counselling. Specialist advisers to the Adoption Panel were all suitably qualified and had a particular interest in adoption. They all received training within their specialisms and training as Panel members had occurred and was planned for the future. When other professionals were engaged to work with children and families their credentials were assured via the organisation who employed them or in the case of agencies or companies via Liverpool City Council’s contracts section. The employment of support workers to work within the adoption service was a recent

p.42

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

development. Their remit mainly involves practical tasks but they do not work without direct supervision from a qualified worker. Support Workers were formally supervised by a Social Work Manager. The service had also developed a system of linking a support worker with more experienced social workers. The team had a senior practitioner who also had responsibility for mentoring less experienced members of staff.

p.42

equivalent?

What % of the adoption service’s social workers have a PQ award? 30 % Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 41

p.42

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

service. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The inspection confirmed that staff were managed and monitored by people who had the appropriate skills and qualifications, Staff advised that they had regular supervision and were clear about levels of management delegation and responsibility. Liverpool had experienced some difficulties regarding workload management. The service had acknowledged these difficulties and senior managers were negotiating with the unions and staff about a workload management system that would benefit the service. The service should provide details of the outcome and implementation of the agreed workload management system as part of their action plan. Staff advised the inspectors that although they were aware of a number of training events available to them that their workloads did not always allow for on going training and appropriate professional and skills development. The need for the service to support staff to

p.43

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

gain the full PQ Child Care Award and any other appropriate training, in line with National Minimum Standards, will have to be factored into any team plan. The adequacy of clerical and administrative support will also need to kept under review. The inspection found evidence that the new working environment had caused problems within the team, and had at times undermined the efficient and effective running of the service. A lack of a designated phone line, fax and purpose built office space meant that administrative and social work staff felt their time was not always being spent on cores tasks. The inspectors could appreciate the challenging nature of the office environment and recommend in the strongest terms that the move to the new purpose built offices should take place with ongoing consultation with staff. Further to this interim measures should be put into place in Parklands to make the communication into and within the adoption team much

p.43

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

easier. This must include the provision of a designated phone line and designated family placement team fax machine. This is referred to further in standard 29. Further to this staff members who are being asked to adapt to different ways of working, for example if social workers are required to complete their own administrative tasks then they should have training in word processing and Information Technology. The management of the service should demonstrate as part of the action plan how their investment in Information Technology will be implemented effectively. The inspectors confirmed with the managers of the service that all staff employed have appropriate written contracts, job descriptions and conditions of service which comply with the General Social Care Council (GSCC) of England. The managers of the service and the staff group confirmed that they had access to the Statement of Purpose, a grievance and disciplinary procedure, services offered, and equal

p.43

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

opportunities policy, health and safety procedures, a complaints procedure and the GSCC’s Code of Practice. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 42

p.43

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

in providing a service. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Liverpool had expanded the team by transferring a number of staff from the looked after children’s fieldwork teams into the adoption service. At the time of the inspection the managers considered that the staffing compliment in the team would be sufficient to meet the adoption services challenging LPSA’s. The inspectors recommend that the service should keep under careful review the adequacy of staffing. The managers had the capacity to employ agency staff if there was a staffing shortage and staff policies in general encouraged the retention of staff. The service should be mindful however of the impact that the new working environment and culture had had on the adoption team. A number of staff had left the service in the previous year, some of whom had felt unable to work in such a new office culture and environment. The effective management of change for the service including the management of new

p.44

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

technology and working environments will continue to be a challenge for the adoption service.

p.44

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

practices and good support for its staff. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Staff reported that despite the challenges of working and delivering an adoption service in such a challenging working environment that in general Liverpool was a fair and competent employer. Some staff were positive about the investment in the service and the expansion of the team, however, others expressed real concerns about their lack of involvement in decisions which impacted greatly on their work. The managers of the service had addressed some issues raised for example the number of administrative support staff in the team. Further to this, as has already been mentioned, staff were clear that the dispute concerning the workload management scheme would have a positive outcome. The staff working in the service confirmed that they had access to a whistleblowing policy. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 43

p.44

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 The Staff Development section provided a comprehensive range of training designed to meet the needs of each service area. Consultation occurs in relation to training needs and there is also access to funding for appropriate external training courses. Liverpool City Council has a new e-learning website (i-learn). This provided an easy to use catalogue and on line access to training and development. The City Council has an induction day but this was being reviewed at the time of the inspection. The induction pack was being redesigned to provide specific service area information in line with TOPSS induction standards. The implementation of the new induction programme should form part of the services action plan. Staff confirmed that a review of training needs formed part of supervision and that longer standing members of the team had had their Personal Development Plans reviewed and

p.45

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

updated. Team meeting and staff briefings in addition to team and management development days were held regularly. The adoption service organises training to meet its specific needs and also provides training on adoption issues/developments to social workers in other service areas that deal with children who have adoption plans. As has already been stated the inspection found that the service may benefit for accessing external training in the preparation of Form F and Form E.

p.45

The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

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

p.45

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

has worked. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 1 The examination of files confirmed that the service must ensure that they keep some form of hard evidence of when statutory checks have taken place and the outcome of the checks if they are to meet Local Authority Adoption Service Regulations 2003. Case reading highlighted that there was little evidence of managerial involvement in the decision- making and overall case management that was recorded and evidenced on file. The service should ensure that any decisions by supervisors should be recorded on case files. This is in addition to the file audits that take place throughout the service. These decisions should be legible, clearly expressed, signed and dated in line with National Minimum Standards . Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 44

p.45

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

the placement of a child. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The adoption service provides relevant information to other adoption agencies at the earliest, appropriate opportunity. Liverpool has a clear and well-understood system for authorising the access to adoption case records and their indexes and for authorising disclosure of adoption information in line with Local Authority Adoption Service Regulations 2003 and National Minimum Standards.

p.46

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

in line with regulations. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There is a written policy on case recording, a copy of which was supplied to the inspectors. No one outside of the adoption service can gain official access to any records relating to children and prospective adopters unless the team manager gives permission. All forms F that leave the adoption service are clearly marked indicating that they are confidential documents. Separate records are kept for staff, complaints and allegations. Complaints were managed efficiently and effectively by the service. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 45

p.46

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

and member of the adoption panel. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 Staff files are maintained by the council’s Human Resources Section and were found to meet Local Authority Adoption Service Regulations 2003. Panel Members files were maintained by the Panel administrator and held within the Adoption service. Panel members files should be developed to meet National Minimum Standards , but did include signed declarations and CRB checks. Records were kept in respect of all the elements mentioned with the exception of training undertaken. Training diaries were being introduced and would be included in staff files in the future.

p.47

The intended outcome for the following standard is:

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

p.47

Standard 29 (29.1 – 29.5)

Premises used by the adoption agency are appropriate for the purpose. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 1 The service was based in a large open plan office with other social services teams. Home working had been piloted with adoption service social workers having the option of being home or office based. This new way of working had been introduced with a move towards becoming a “paperless” office. There is now heavy reliance on computers and adoption social workers are expected to be able to manage their own administrative work. During the course of this inspection little support could be found amongst adoption social workers and administrative staff for the new ways of working. Workers reported that there has been insufficient training in how to use the computer systems and this is something the service should address as part of their action plan. The adoption service cannot be entirely paperless as it relies upon a significant amount of

p.47

Standard 29 (29.1 – 29.5)

third party information. The inspectors were concerned that the current office has one communal combined fax, printer and photocopier. Confidential information coming into the office can get easily lost and several social workers and administrative staff commented that this was the case. The inspectors consider that given some of the sensitive and highly confidential material concerning adoption that the adoption service must have its own designated fax machine. This requirement is linked to standard 20. Supervision and case discussions take place in the main office in a “pod”, which has partial screening but no sound -proofing. The manager advised that supervision could also take place within the workers home. Staff reported that having supervision in the Parklands raised issues about service user and their own personal/professional confidentiality. There is no designated reception for the building. Visitors report to the one stop shop and a

p.47

Standard 29 (29.1 – 29.5)

phone call is made to the team. Workers access the building with a swipe card at another entrance. There is no system other than workers’ vigilance for ensuring that individuals without a card do not enter the building at the same time. During the course of the inspection, there was concern that on several occasions, the inspectors were invited into the building without being asked for any form of identification. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 46 The staff in the adoption service raised concerns about communication systems within the office. At present there is not one designated phone line for enquiries. This has resulted in workers taking a number of messages for other people from other teams. This impacts on their ability to focus on their own work. There is a also a limited number of phone lines available which has resulted in service users and workers not being able to get through to

p.47

Standard 29 (29.1 – 29.5)

the team. With regards to security of records, workers who work from home are provided with a three drawer lockable unit. Files at the office are held within lockable shelving, although they were rapidly running out of space. The service must ensure that they have access to additional lockable storage for files as part of the action plan. The inspectors were advised that there is adequate insurance for the premises and its contents. The plans to scan all paper files as part of the services disaster recovery plan had not been fully implemented. The service should ensure how a comprehensive disaster recovery plan can be achieved as part of the action plan. At the time of the inspection, the difficulties encountered with the new premises and new ways of working had resulted in there being low morale amongst a number of workers in the adoption service. The inspectors were informed that the adoption service will be moving to a purpose built

p.48

Standard 29 (29.1 – 29.5)

office in the next twelve months, which will provide accommodation for all the child care staff within the service. The inspectors do not consider that the current working environment provides social work or administrative staff with an office that is fit for purpose at the present time and recommends in the strongest terms that representatives from all staff within the adoption service are consulted at length and involved wherever possible in the design of the new working environment and offices. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 47

p.48

Date

Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 48

p.50

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

accuracy of the report for the above inspection. We would welcome comments on the content of this report relating to the Inspection conducted on 10 th May 2004 of inspection Liverpool City Council Adoption Service and any factual inaccuracies:

p.50

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

Please limit your comments to one side of A4 if possible Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 49

p.50

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

Amendments to the report were necessary YES

p.51

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

Comments were received from the provider YES

p.51

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

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

p.51

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

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

p.51

Note:

In instances where there is a major difference of view between the Inspector and the local authority adoption manager, both views will be made available on request to the Area Office.

p.51

to be addressed and stating a clear timescale for completion. This will be

kept on file and made available on request.

p.51

report:

Action plan was received at the point of publication YES

p.51

report:

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

p.51

report:

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

p.51

report:

Provider has declined to provide an action plan NO

p.51

Public reports

It should be noted that all CSCI inspection reports are public documents. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service Page 50

p.51

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.

p.52

Liverpool City Council Adoption Service / 10th May 2004

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

p.53

Liverpool City Council Adoption Service / 10th May 2004

Telephone: 020 7979 2000 Fax: 020 7979 2111

p.53

Liverpool City Council Adoption Service / 10th May 2004

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

p.53

Liverpool City Council Adoption Service / 10th May 2004

S0000056748.V162027.R02 © This report may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection

p.53

Liverpool City Council Adoption Service / 10th May 2004

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

p.53