Setting

X10029.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 FOSTERING SERVICE

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Lead Inspector Mr Michael McCleave MBE Key Inspection 5th June 2006 09:30 North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to:

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

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Reader Information Document Purpose Inspection Report Author CSCI Audience General Public Further copies from 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Internet address www.csci.org.uk North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Fostering Services. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

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

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

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Copies of Every Child Matters and The Children Act 2004 are available from The Stationery Office as above This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4

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Name of service

North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team

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Name of service

Address The Grove 38 West Street Scawby Brigg North Lincs DN20 9AN Telephone number 01652 656005

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manager (if applicable)

Type of registration Local Auth Fostering Service North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5

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Conditions of registration:

Date of last inspection 13th February 2006

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Brief Description of the Service:

The service aims to provide a range of high quality foster placements to meet the needs of the Looked after children of North Lincolnshire Council.

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Brief Description of the Service:

A Service Manager leads the service and a team leader has day-to-day management responsibilities for the service. The team leader is supported by a well-qualified and experienced team of family placement officers and a dedicated administrative team.

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Brief Description of the Service:

The service is responsible for the recruitment, assessment, training, support and development of all its foster carers. There is a single fostering panel.

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Brief Description of the Service:

The service provides a variety of foster placements including: mainstream fostering, long-term fostering, contract care, single placement care and short- term breaks. The service caters for children and young people aged 0 - 18 years.

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Brief Description of the Service:

The service operates out of premises situated in a village near to Scunthorpe. No adverse comments were received from foster carers regarding the buildings accessibility. The building lends itself to foster carer training and or formal/informal meetings and groups.

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Brief Description of the Service:

North Lincolnshire pay foster carers the following weekly rates of allowances:

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Brief Description of the Service:

0 – 4 years £93.14 5 –10 £111.46 11 –15 £135.57 16+ £179.57

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Brief Description of the Service:

In addition the carers are paid an extra £20 if they undertake certain tasks. A third child placed would also attract an additional £20. Carers involved in Contract Care are paid a further £118 per week. North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6

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SUMMARY

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

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SUMMARY

This inspection was carried out using a proportionate methodology because the last inspection was completed in February 2006. On this occasion the inspection was conducted jointly with the CSCI Adoption Inspection Team. Private fostering was the main focus of this inspection. The information contained in the last inspection report forms the bulk of this report. This approach was agreed with the managers of the fostering and adoption service of North Lincolnshire Council at a pre-inspection meeting held with senior managers of the service. The information gained at the previous inspection was used to inform this inspection. This inspection was carried over five days involving two inspectors.

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SUMMARY

The data gathered to inform this inspection of fostering services was based on interviews with:

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SUMMARY

The Chief Executive of North Lincolnshire Council, the Service Manager (Fostering and Adoption), Team Manager (Fostering and Adoption), Duty Team Manager, Family Placement Social Workers, PCT Psychologist, Service Manager (Audit and Review) and an Independent Reviewing Officer, Chair of the Foster Panel, Child Care Team Manager and Social Workers, foster carers, private foster carers, children who are fostered and privately fostered, attendance at the Garage Patch Kidz Consultation Group and a foster carer’s meeting. The Looked After Children’s Nurse was spoken to informally at the Garage Patch Kidz meeting. Questionnaires were received from professionals, and one from a young person. A selection of records were also examined.

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SUMMARY

Those foster carers and young people spoken to were very complimentary about the support received from the fostering link workers. Quotes received included “ they are always at the end of a phone” “nothing is too much for them and they will always respond with advice and guidance”.

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What the service does well:

The previous inspection noted that the service is well managed and has an experienced team, which provides a good level of support to foster carers, children and young people

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What the service does well:

The evidence gathered from children and foster carers interviews and questionnaires indicated a high level of satisfaction with services received and provided by the fostering service.

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What the service does well:

The fostering service ensures children and young people’s health care needs are met. The fostering team works well with health professionals to ensure that children and young people receive the information and support they need. North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 Foster carers and staff said that they felt supported by the health services offered.

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What the service does well:

The fostering team works well with the education teams and services to ensure children and young people receive the opportunities they need to succeed. Children and young people are supported to attend school and encouraged to achieve their potential. Homework clubs and computers are provided for all children in foster care. If children and young people are excluded from school then the fostering and education teams ensure that schoolwork is continued out of the classroom.

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What the service does well:

This inspection came to the same conclusions.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The role of the unqualified member of the fostering team has been reviewed and more appropriate arrangements are now in place.

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What they could do better:

The Fostering Team Manager should liaise with the Child Care Team Managers in order to establish a clear protocol about contact arrangements made at short notice. It is important that foster carers are part of the arrangements.

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What they could do better:

The managers of the child care teams and fostering service should establish improved liaison communication links, in order to ensure that concerns of foster carers are dealt with speedily.

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What they could do better:

Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8

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CONTENTS

Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9

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The intended outcome for this Standard is:

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

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The Commission considers Standard 12 the key standard to be

inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at the outcome for Standard:

Children and young people in foster care have their health and development promoted very well including good links with health care services.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at the outcome for Standard:

The quality rating for this outcome is Excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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EVIDENCE:

The previous inspection commented favourably on the way the health care needs of the children were met.

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EVIDENCE:

The fostering service is commended for promoting development and health opportunities for looked after children. The team works in a multi-disciplinary way in order to secure positive outcomes for children in this area.

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EVIDENCE:

The healthcare needs of children and young people are addressed at the initial referral stage and form part of the matching process. Placement plans set out each child’s health care needs and provides the foster carer with any necessary background information. The Foster Carer handbook provides detailed guidance on carer responsibilities regarding health and gives advice on ways to promote the health of children and to ensure their safety.

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EVIDENCE:

In interview foster carers reported that they very received good quality and timely information concerning a child’s health care needs. In interview foster carers demonstrated a clear understanding of their role in promoting the health and development needs of young people. Evidence of carers fulfilling their health care responsibilities to children placed with them was seen on files and other documentation examined. North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 The fostering service has access to specialist medical advisors to who it can refer children to for individual advice and consultations and there is medical representation on the fostering panel. The service holds regular health information days, which are intended to be both informative and fun.

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EVIDENCE:

The Looked After Nurse and Psychologist from the PCT spoken to at this inspection, confirmed that the local authority took the health care needs of the children very seriously and that there is positive communication links between the local authority and health care professionals. The children who are fostered are served very well by resources for their health needs. North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

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

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

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

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following Standard(s):

Children and young people in foster care are kept safe from abuse and neglect and are well protected by the systems in place.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following Standard(s):

The quality rating for this outcome is Good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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EVIDENCE:

As noted at the last inspection corporate policies and procedures are in place for recruitment and selection of staff. In interview staff commented that they considered the local authority and their managers to be a fair and competent employers.

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EVIDENCE:

The systems for recruiting staff and foster carers are well developed and are supported by sound policies, procedures and practice guidance.

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EVIDENCE:

Evidence from a review of a sample of staff personnel records demonstrated sound recruitment and selection practices for externally appointed staff. Procedures for internal candidates now comply with more robust vetting requirements. The team manager has significant child-care experience and holds a recognised social work and management qualification. The team manager is supported by an experienced and well-qualified staff group, which North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 is supported by an effective administrative team

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EVIDENCE:

The foster carer homes visited during this inspection were clean and comfortably furnished. All homes are inspected by the fostering social worker as part of the initial assessment and annual review process. Records confirmed that checks are carried out on foster carers and insurance certificates on an annual basis. Foster carer preparation and training covers health and safety issues.

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EVIDENCE:

From interviews with foster carers and evidence of the initial training and other training provided to foster carers, it was evident that foster carer training covers children who have been abused and safe caring skills. Foster carers are provided with a copy of the Fostering Networks ‘safe caring’ booklet, although individual safe care guidelines for each foster care household had not been developed. Good practice would indicate the need to develop and provide individual safe caring guidelines.

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EVIDENCE:

The training and assessment of carers includes guidance on corporal punishment and other forms of inappropriate control or punishment. In discussion with foster carers, it was evident that they had a knowledge and understanding of the issues and concerns about bullying. A procedure on dealing with bullying in foster care was available.

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EVIDENCE:

A written procedure on children missing from care was available. Foster carers spoken to confirmed they had been provided with copies of this guidance. Foster carers stated they understood what to do if a child goes missing from home should this occur.

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EVIDENCE:

The systems for recruiting, training and supporting staff and foster carers were well developed and were supported by sound policies, procedures and practice guidance.

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EVIDENCE:

Children are placed with carers on the basis of a matching process. Interviews with family placement officers demonstrated that lengthy discussions take place between different professionals about the needs of children in order to make matched placements. The service had written guidance on matching children to placements and a written record of matching considerations was produced. Records examined at the last inspection identified some matching consideration were not well recorded and the fostering service needs to look at ways of improving this.

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EVIDENCE:

The previous inspection identified that not all children placed have their own bedrooms, and suggested that the fostering service needs to ensure a child’s need for space and privacy is assessed and systematically recorded as part of the matching process. North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 The previous inspector met with the independent panel chair, and observed a panel meeting. The Fostering Panel policies and procedures reflected the Fostering Services Regulations and National Minimum Standards in terms of practical, organisational and legal implications in respect of membership and practice.

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EVIDENCE:

Meetings of the panel are formally recorded and decisions/recommendations are placed on the relevant foster carer’s file. Past panel minutes examined as part of this inspection were comprehensive and consistently recorded.

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EVIDENCE:

Arrangements were in place for the panel to receive service information on a quarterly basis. North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

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

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

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

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The service promotes the racial, religious and cultural identity of children as far as practicable and gives a high priority to meeting the educational needs of children and young people to help them to achieve their potential.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The quality rating for this outcome is Good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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EVIDENCE:

As with the last inspection there is evidence to indicate that young people are provided with opportunities to achieve their potential by the fostering service. Diversity is valued and children and their families have access to a care service that recognises needs in terms of gender, religion, ethnic origin, language, culture, disability and sexuality.

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EVIDENCE:

Feedback from family placement officers and foster carers showed a child’s feeling of self worth is encouraged and foster carers are encouraged to develop an understanding of self-esteem issues through their initial and subsequent training. The inspector advised at the previous inspection that supervision records are maintained more systematically to reflect the breadth of issues and matters discussed during supervisory meetings.

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EVIDENCE:

Evidence gathered from records and discussions with a range of personnel showed Looked After Children’s health and education teams worked in North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 partnership with the fostering service. Demonstrating a holistic ethos to the needs of children and young people.

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EVIDENCE:

In interviews, staff and foster carers gave some positive examples of ways of working to ensure that the cultural and religious needs of children are met. Fostering staff said foster carers are proactive in seeking out resources that will meet a child’s religious and cultural needs.

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EVIDENCE:

The area does have large ethnic minority populations, and two children had been placed cross culturally. Fostering staff were aware of the importance of ensuring resources and information are available to assist foster carer to meet the cultural and religious needs of children and young people placed.

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EVIDENCE:

The last inspector was advised that family placement officer supervisory visits also covered a range of associated issues to ensure that children’s overall needs are consistently met. As previously noted, supervisory records need to better reflect the full range of issues discussed.

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EVIDENCE:

Evidence demonstrated that the fostering service places high priority to meeting the educational needs of children and young people and works in an integrated way with the looked after children’s education team. Children are encouraged and supported by the fostering service to achieve their potential. This is achieved on a day-to-day basis by the foster carers work with children.

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EVIDENCE:

During this inspection foster carers demonstrated a sound understanding of the importance of their role in promoting the education development of children and young people by attending parents evenings and open days. Children also have the opportunity to attend homework clubs, and resources are available for supported learning during school days should a child be excluded from school.

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EVIDENCE:

The fostering service provides children and young people with computers. This is good practice. Information systems are in place to record the educational attainments of children and young people.

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EVIDENCE:

Over the last year there has been positive developments in promoting and celebrating achievements. For example, children and young people receiving foster care have been involved in the production of a DVD discussing their achievements whilst in foster care and other events celebrating achievements. These are areas of good practice and the teams are to be commended.

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EVIDENCE:

The service provides short-term breaks/respite to support parents with disabled children and the service has recruited specific foster carers to provide such placements. In addition the service offers respite to other foster carers.

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EVIDENCE:

Evidence from records and discussions with various staff indicates the fostering service and foster carers work in partnership with families to provide respite North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 care for children with disabilities. The service recognises the central role of birth parents. The inspector from the last inspection met with a foster carer offering respite care, she reported that she was very satisfied with the support she received and information supplied indicated positive relationships with the birth parents. Assessments are carried out to look at specialist equipment needed and provided where possible. North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

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

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The Commission considers Standards 10 and 11 the key standards to

be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The fostering service actively promotes and supports contacts with family and friends thereby ensuring children and young people maintain links with family and friends.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The quality rating for this outcome is Good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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EVIDENCE:

It was evident from the Skills to Foster training programme, the foster carer handbook and feedback from interviews with foster carers, that the importance of contact is made clear to foster carers in their training and support from the family placement officers reinforces this. Transport and financial assistance are provided for children to maintain contact with their families.

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EVIDENCE:

In interview foster carers demonstrated a clear understanding of their role in supporting contacts with family and friends. Children and young people’s files examined clearly set out contact arrangements. Foster carers during this inspection expressed some frustration on occasions when the children’s social workers arrived at their home with no prior notice to take a child for contact with its parents. It is important that social workers who arrange contact at short notice, ensure that foster carers are consulted.

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EVIDENCE:

Children said that they are given the opportunity through the reviewing process to air their views on the care they receive. This is also encouraged in participation groups that children and young people can attend and contribute to. Children and young people had been involved in a number of projects North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 including making a DVD of their achievements in foster care. The inspectors attended a meeting of the ‘Garage Patch Kidz’ participation group, which provides an excellent forum for children and young people to air their views and to be heard.

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EVIDENCE:

Feedback from the children who attend this group indicated they knew about the complaints system and how to make a complaint and contact their social worker. Complaints are handled appropriately by the service and an advocacy service is provided and available to children. North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

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

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The foster carers are paid appropriate allowances and expenses to enable them to provide a good level of care for the children.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The quality rating for this outcome is Good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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EVIDENCE:

In interview all of the foster carers stated that payments and allowances were paid on time. Where errors occurred these were speedily dealt with. Foster carers welcomed the increases in allowances and remunerations, but comments from some foster carers at the last inspection indicated a need for further increases to cover the full cost of caring for each child.

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EVIDENCE:

During this inspection some foster carers said that allowances needed to be reviewed to reflect the true cost of some expenses when they took children out on activities. However, overall the foster carers were satisfied with the way the authority managed the allowances paid to them. North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

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

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

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

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

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

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The children benefit from a fostering Service that is managed competently and efficiently.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The quality rating for this outcome is Good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21

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EVIDENCE:

The statement of purpose clearly sets out the services provided and has been updated to reflect recent management and staff changes. A children’s guide is provided. The children’s guide was being updated with the involvement of young people, to further meet the age range and needs of children and young people in foster homes.

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EVIDENCE:

Management arrangements were found to be robust, organised and well integrated. Roles and responsibilities within the team are clearly defined and understood.

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EVIDENCE:

In interview, the manager reported that matters to be monitored under Schedule 7 were primarily monitored through the various systems for Looked After Children/Quality Protects and national performance monitoring systems. These were seen in detail at the last inspection and evidence of this was seen during this inspection. The manager made available a range of performance and quality assurance monitoring information. The team is to be commended for the quality and scope of information provided.

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EVIDENCE:

Staff have access to good support, supervision and training. Staff were well informed and have access to all required policies and procedures. In interview the fostering team manager and staff indicated that there were sufficient numbers of qualified workers to carry out their full range of duties and responsibilities. With the exception of one worker all the social workers in the fostering team are professionally qualified.

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EVIDENCE:

Feedback from foster carers and records examined showed foster carers received a good level of support from the fostering team. All of the foster carers interviewed during this inspection stated they felt valued by the team.

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EVIDENCE:

Records seen and discussions with foster carers, indicated they were seen by their link worker on a regular basis. At the last inspection one unqualified worker was carrying out supervisory visits. The regulations require supervisory visits to be carried out by suitably qualified workers only. The manager has reviewed the work programme of the team to meet the regulations.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster carers were very positive about the support that they receive form the fostering team. Foster carers stated they felt valued by the service and foster carers said that they just had to pick up the phone and they could speak to anyone if their link worker was not there. Foster carer agreements are in place and in line with regulations. There are clear systems in place for practically supporting carers which carers were well informed about. North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Structures are in place to ensure that assessments, approvals and reviews of carers are maintained and implemented effectively and there has been a notable improvement in the reviewing of carers since the last inspection.

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EVIDENCE:

Multi disciplinary relationships are well maintained and there is evidence of good working together in order to achieve placement consistency to meet the needs of children. Fostering service social workers understand clearly their role and that of the social worker. Clear processes for the assessment of carers are in place and feedback from the panel chair indicates improvements over the past year.

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EVIDENCE:

The fostering service has a clear strategy for working with and supporting carers. Foster carers are provided with detailed information in their handbook about a range of topics, which are regularly updated. This means that foster carers are kept well informed and enabled to look after children well.

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EVIDENCE:

Carers are aware of complaint process and complaints are monitored. The fostering service monitors allegations of abuse and individual support to carers if an allegation is made is provided by family placement officers, independent advocates and through membership of the fostering network which provides legal advice.

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EVIDENCE:

There is a detailed recording policy, which establishes the format of child and foster carer files. Foster carers work with children to ensure that they have an understanding of their situation. Foster carers where appropriate, and after receiving advice and training, undertake life story work and understand the importance of building up a life picture for the child. The service provides and accesses advice and support for foster carers when working with complex issues.

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EVIDENCE:

In interview foster carers stated that they were given the necessary equipment to care for the children they look after. Foster carers visited held information on children appropriately ensuring its storage in a secure place. Foster carers were aware of the need to maintain confidentiality.

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EVIDENCE:

The fostering service keeps all the appropriate records as identified in regulation. Foster carers and children’s records examined were well maintained and comprehensive. The service approves a number of joint carers. It was noted at the last inspection, that in order to comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1988, in particular the right of individual data subjects to have access to their records, the fostering service should ensure foster carers sign to say they agree to their records being held together. It was evident from the interview with the fostering service manager and family placement officers and records seen, that the service does recognise the contribution of family and friend foster carers and endeavours to provide for their training and support needs in a sensitive way. The assessment for kinship carers was provided in ways consistent with the training and support of other

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EVIDENCE:

foster carers. North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

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

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

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

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

BEING HEALTHY ACHIEVING ECONOMIC Standard No Score WELLBEING 12 4 Standard No Score 14 X STAYING SAFE 29 3 Standard No Score 3 3 MANAGEMENT 6 3 Standard No Score 8 3 1 3 9 3 2 4 15 3 4 3 30 3 5 X 16 x ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING 17 3 Standard No Score 18 3 7 3 19 X 13 3 20 4 31 3 21 3 22 3 MAKING A POSITIVE 23 X CONTRIBUTION 24 3 Standard No Score 25 3 10 3 26 X 11 4 27 X 28 X 32 3 North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? No

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

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

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action

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RECOMMENDATIONS

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

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RECOMMENDATIONS

No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations

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RECOMMENDATIONS

1. FS10 Foster carers must always be consulted by the children’s social worker about contact arrangements. This is not only good practice but encourages a sense of partnership. North Lincolnshire Council Fostering Team DS0000043224.V296572.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

York Area Office Unit 4 Triune Court Monk's Cross York YO32 9GZ

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

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

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