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Summary

No overall grade in this framework

Dennis Bradley

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  • Inspectors verified

    Dennis Bradley

  • Postcode verified

    NE1 8PA

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+33Mostly positivemore positive than 41% of reports of this type

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Praiseeffectivelyclearimprovedsafecaringoutstandingpromptlyindependent
Criticismdelaysnot alwaysinconsistencyconcerningabsence

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  • What needs to improve515w+17

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Pages
23
Words of findings
4,360
longer than usual (typical 1049)
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Hard
Flesch 46, typical 45
Average sentence
17 words
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8
typical 5
Hedged sentences
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“some”, “not always”, “most”…

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Findings 85%What needs to improve 11%About the inspection 4%

Full report text

X10029.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 FOSTERING SERVICE

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NE1 8PA

Lead Inspector Dennis Bradley Announced Inspection 31st October to 9th December 2005 10:00 Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 2 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to:

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NE1 8PA

• 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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NE1 8PA

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 Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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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NE1 8PA

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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NE1 8PA

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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NE1 8PA

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. Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4

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Name of service

Address Social Services Civic Centre Barras Bridge Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne & Wear NE1 8PA Telephone number 0191 211 6307

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manager (if applicable)

Type of registration Local Auth Fostering Service

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of places

Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5

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Conditions of registration:

Date of last inspection 1st November 2004

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Brief Description of the Service:

Newcastle Fostering Service is based at the Shieldfield Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne. The Service recruits, assesses and supports foster carers to provide placements to children and young people with a wide range of needs, including long term foster care and short-term placements for teenagers. The Service also provides foster carers for young people with disabilities within a Shared Care Scheme. At the time of the inspection the Service was supporting approximately 257 foster placements. The Service had a staff team of 19 people including the manager and administrative support staff. The Service also employed an independent Foster Carer Training Coordinator. Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6

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SUMMARY

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

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SUMMARY

The inspection was announced, and took place over 11 days. This was the fourth full inspection of the Service. The inspectors visited and spoke with carers and young people and members of staff were interviewed. A sample of records was examined. Questionnaires were also issued to foster carers and children.

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What the service does well:

The Fostering Service provides experienced and qualified staff to assess, supervise and support carers and young people. Social work staff had access to post qualifying training and felt supported by their line manager. A good range and quality of training is available for carers and this is provided in a flexible way to enable carers to attend. The Service has a dedicated team for recruiting and supporting black and ethnic minority carers.

p.6

What the service does well:

Young people are consulted about their care plans/placements and had opportunities to voice their opinions about their experience of being in care and how the Council’s services should develop. Children and young people in foster care are supported to maintain and develop family contacts.

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What the service does well:

Foster carers are given information regarding relevant policies, procedures and guidance. Payments to foster carers were prompt and at the agreed time.

p.6

What the service does well:

The Fostering Service Panel carries out its quality assurance role, in relation to the assessment and review of foster carers, effectively and efficiently.

p.6

What has improved since the last inspection?

Additional staff had been recruited. This should mean that the support and supervision provided to some carers improves and is in line with the Service’s own policy. A Deputy Manager has been appointed. This means that there is a member of staff within the Fostering Service that is responsible for deputising in the absence of the Manager.

p.6

What has improved since the last inspection?

The Service’s policies and procedures have been revised and amended to ensure that they comply with current legislation and guidance. There have been improvements in the arrangements for carrying out checks on new staff and foster carers in order to ensure that foster children are safeguarded.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Action has been taken to ensure that children are visited by their social worker on a regular basis. There has been an improvement in the recording of plans Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 7 to meet the educational needs of children. This should help identify more quickly those children who may need additional support.

p.6

What has improved since the last inspection?

There has been improvement in the arrangements for identifying and arranging long-term placements for children. The system for following up Fostering Panel recommendations has improved and this has helped it carry out its role more effectively.

p.7

What they could do better:

Assessments of children with disabilities need to be carried out promptly by suitably trained staff, so that they can be provided with the aids and adaptations they require.

p.7

What they could do better:

The arrangements for assessing and approving family and friend carers need to be reviewed to ensure that they are completed more quickly.

p.7

What they could do better:

As part of the arrangements for keeping children safe all foster carers should be provided with basic training in first aid and this should be updated regularly.

p.7

What they could do better:

Fostering Service social workers should provide a duty worker service during office hours in line with the Service’s Statement of Purpose.

p.7

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. Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 8

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CONTENTS

Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9

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The intended outcomes these Standards are:

• 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 – The intended outcomes for these Standards are

We looked at outcomes for Standard 12. The health and development of the children was promoted. The arrangements for carrying out occupational health assessments were not adequate and meant that there were delays in appropriate aids and adaptations being made available to meet the needs of some children.

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EVIDENCE:

The health care needs of children were considered when placements were arranged and reviewed. Where children had been placed in an emergency, carers sometimes received very little information about the children. However, in the sample of records examined the carers had been given relevant information about the health care needs and histories of the children placed with them. Foster carers had arranged for the children to be registered with a doctor and dentist. It was evident that the carers monitored the health of the children placed with them and took action to address any health care needs identified.

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EVIDENCE:

Health assessments of children were being done more quickly. The services to children who have mental health care needs had been developed to include a dedicated multi-agency team. However, there continued to be significant delays in assessments being carried out by an occupational therapist.

p.9

EVIDENCE:

Foster carers had written guidance regarding health care and their responsibilities. Their training covered health issues that might arise for looked after children, and courses were available on ‘Sexuality and Sexual Health’ and First Aid. Some carers had not had any training in first aid and the training for some had not been updated. Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10

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The intended outcomes 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, and 15 the key

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

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JUDGEMENT – The intended outcomes for these Standards are

We looked at outcomes for standards 3, 6, 8, 9, 15 & 30. The Fostering Service had a suitably qualified and experienced team of staff. Systems and procedures were in place to promote the welfare of young people and protect them from the risk of abuse and neglect. The Fostering Panel carries out its role in relation to the approval of foster carers effectively and efficiently and in doing so safeguards the welfare of children in foster care.

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EVIDENCE:

The foster carers’ homes that were visited during the inspection were adequately furnished and decorated and clean. Health and safety checks of foster carers’ homes and vehicles were done as part of their initial assessment and at their annual reviews. For carers who looked after disabled children, there continued to be significant delays in assessments being carried out by an occupational therapist. This meant that there were delays in suitable aids/adaptations being provided. Arrangements had been made for these carers to be provided, where appropriate, with training in moving and handling.

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EVIDENCE:

The Foster Care Handbook had been developed to include written guidelines on the health and safety responsibilities of carers and this was also covered in their preparatory training. Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 The Council has given a high priority to the recruitment of new carers. Although there continued to be a shortage of foster carers there had been a decrease in referrals for foster placements. Staff in the Fostering and Placements Teams said that there was more choice available when arranging placements for children to enable matching with suitable foster carers. This included placing children, particularly older children, with independent fostering agencies.

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EVIDENCE:

Exemptions had been applied to the approval categories of some carers in order to place children, often in emergencies. The Fostering Panel regularly monitored the progress of these placements. Carers confirmed that where possible planning meetings and introductory visits take place.

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EVIDENCE:

There was evidence that foster carers did not always get sufficient information about the young person before, or when a placement commenced. 1 foster carer said she received very little information about the children who were currently placed with her.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster carers received training about child protection issues and safe caring. Training was also available on recognising and dealing with bullying. None of the carers who were ‘case tracked’ had attended the latter. Foster carers were required to prepare a written safe caring policy for their household in consultation with their assessing or supervising social worker. Arrangements were in place to ensure that this was kept under review, shared with the social worker of each child and, updated where necessary.

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EVIDENCE:

A selection of files was examined and no problems were noted in the arrangements for carrying out checks on new staff and foster carers. Telephone enquiries had been made to follow up written references in respect of staff, prior to their appointment. Arrangements were in place for Criminal Records Bureau checks to be renewed every three years for staff and for foster carers.

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EVIDENCE:

There was evidence that the Fostering Panel members engaged in a thorough consideration of carers’ assessments and reviews. There had been an improvement in the arrangements for following up Panel recommendations within the specified timescales. Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12

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The intended outcomes 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 – The intended outcomes for these Standards are

We looked at outcomes for standards 7, 13 & 31. Suitable arrangements were in place to ensure that foster carers and staff were aware of the need to value diversity so that the specific needs of children are considered when making placements. The educational achievement of children was promoted and they received planned support to meet their educational needs. The Service had appropriate policies and procedures in place for short-term breaks and these ensure that the parents of such children remain their main carer.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster carer assessments covered the applicant’s capacity to parent a child from a different cultural, religious, or ethnic background. Foster carers received written guidance and training that covered the principles of valuing diversity and anti-oppressive practice. Post approval training included a course on responding to the needs of black and ethnic minority children. 6 black and ethnic minority foster carers had been approved and 6 others were being trained. It is intended that some of these carers will provide support and assistance to other carers where appropriate.

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EVIDENCE:

There was evidence that the matching of carers to children included consideration of the way in which the specific needs of each child could be met. One carer interviewed demonstrated a good awareness of the cultural needs of the children placed with her. She described how she had done her own research in order to meet their special dietary needs. Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 Foster carers had access to written guidance and training on educational issues. This covered the procedures for excluding children. Foster carers could contact the Education Achievement Liaison Workers for advice and information.

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EVIDENCE:

There were systems in place to monitor the attendance and educational achievement of children in foster care. The Council had an action plan to raise the educational achievement of looked after children. Statistics indicated a further improvement in the educational attainment of looked after children. The Council had also introduced measures to ensure earlier intervention to reduce the number of children who are excluded from school. Accurate information regarding the number of children informally excluded was still not available, but members of the Fostering Under Newcastle Committee advised that there had been a reduction in such cases.

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EVIDENCE:

Personal Education Plans (PEPs) were in place for the young people who were ‘case tracked’. The PEP format had been revised to include information that should help with identifying young people who may need additional support.

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EVIDENCE:

Carers in the Shared Care Scheme received the same written guidance as other foster carers. They could also access the same training and this covered shared care/working with parents. The Scheme had its own policies and procedures in respect of meeting the particular needs of children receiving short-term breaks. The Manager said that it was hoped to recruit black and ethnic minority carers to the Scheme. Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14

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The intended outcomes 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 – The intended outcomes for these Standards are

We looked at outcomes for standards 10 & 11. Suitable arrangements were in place to consult with children and to support children to maintain and develop family contacts.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster carers received written guidance and training regarding supporting foster children to maintain and, where appropriate develop, their family contacts. Where possible contact arrangements were clarified and agreed at the outset of a placement. Foster carers interviewed were aware of the contact arrangements for the children they cared for and were following them. Foster carers supported children to have contact with their families and often this included the provision of transport.

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EVIDENCE:

The preparatory and post approval training for carers included sessions that focussed on listening to children. The majority of children who completed a questionnaire said that their foster carers listened to their views and opinions. Young people were encouraged and supported to contribute to the reviews of their placements. The Service’s Manager meets with the Reviewing Officer on a quarterly basis to discuss any issues raised by children in their reviews. The Council’s Participation Strategy has also enabled some children to participate in the review and development of services. The frequency of visits to children by their social worker varied. There was evidence that action was being taken to address this. Children also had access to an independent advocacy service. There was a Council complaints procedure for children and a Children’s Complaints Officer. Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15

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The intended outcomes 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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The Commission considers Standards 29 the key standard to be

inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – The intended outcomes for these Standards are

We looked at the outcome for Standard 29. Suitable arrangements were in place to ensure that payments to foster carers were made promptly and at the agreed time.

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EVIDENCE:

A revised Scheme of Allowances for carers had been prepared but this was still in draft form. The Manager said that it would be implemented in April 2006. It is intended that the new scheme will be simplified to reduce the potential for inconsistency. There was evidence of continued improvement in the promptness of payments to carers. Members of the FUN Committee said that there were no current issues regarding payments of allowances. Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16

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The intended outcomes 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 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, and 24 the key standards

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

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JUDGEMENT – The intended outcomes for these Standards are

We looked at the outcomes for standards 4, 5, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24, 25 & 32. The Fostering Service is managed effectively and clear procedures and systems were in place for monitoring the Service. There was a clear management structure and clear lines of accountability that contribute to the provision of an effective Service. There were sound employment practices in place in relation to both staff and carers and the Service had a clear strategy for working with and supporting foster carers. The full implementation of this strategy should help with the retention of carers. Appropriate records were in place for each child but the arrangements for passing on relevant information to foster carers Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 about the children in their care were not fully satisfactory. Without this information carers may not be able to meet the care needs of children or keep

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JUDGEMENT – The intended outcomes for these Standards are

them safe. The Fostering Service was sensitive to pre-existing relationships in assessing and approving family and friends as carers.

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EVIDENCE:

Arrangements were in place to monitor the Fostering Service and the quality of its performance. For example timescales had recently been introduced in relation to the length of time foster carer assessments should take. There were procedures in place regarding the assessment, approval and review of carers and these were being followed by staff. A competency based assessment format was used to assess prospective foster carers.

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EVIDENCE:

Staff were clear about their roles and responsibilities and lines of accountability. The Service’s procedures had recently been revised to ensure they complied with current legislation and guidance. A Deputy Manager of the Fostering Team had been appointed. A workload management system was being introduced.

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EVIDENCE:

Staff said that there was an appropriate level of level of administrative and clerical support.

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EVIDENCE:

The Service’s policy for supporting foster carers states that a supervising social worker should visit the foster carer every two weeks during their first six months after approval. Following this visits should be no less than every 6 weeks. Some carers said that if their social worker left, or was on sick leave, they did not receive regular visits by a supervising social worker. They also referred to difficulties in contacting a duty social worker because they were only available during the afternoon. The role of the supervising social worker appeared to be clear to both the social work staff and the carers.

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EVIDENCE:

The Service had difficulties in recruiting and retaining a range of carers to meet the needs of the children and young people. But there had been progress in finding long-term placements for children. As in previous inspections, interviews with carers highlighted the importance of providing satisfactory support in order to retain carers. The Fostering Team had very recently increased in size with the appointment of 2 additional social workers, a resource worker and a Deputy Manager. This should improve the level of support provided to carers and reduce the delays in the assessment of prospective carers. A Development Officer was also being recruited to work with carers and the FUN Committee.

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EVIDENCE:

The Manager advised that arrangements had been made to ensure that the provision of respite care to carers is better managed. Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 A number of experienced carers had been recruited to provide an ‘out of hours’ telephone service to foster carers. This supplements the support provided by the Social Service Department’s Emergency Duty Team. The Manager confirmed that Fostering Service social workers would provide a duty worker service during office hours, in line with the Service’s Statement of Purpose. Carers also received support from the Fostering Under Newcastle (F.U.N.) carers support group.

p.17

EVIDENCE:

Disciplinary and grievance procedures were in place for staff. Carers can use the Corporate Complaints Policy to lodge any formal complaints they may have about the Service. There was also a representations policy for foster carers and prospective foster carers and this was included in the new Foster Carer Agreement document.

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EVIDENCE:

Annual reviews of carers’ approvals were being carried out. The new review format provides more focus and has improved monitoring and data collection.

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EVIDENCE:

A new Foster Care Handbook had been prepared that provided guidance to carers on their role and responsibilities. Those carers case tracked had had a recent unannounced visit by their supervising social worker. The Reviewing Officer monitors whether these visits take place during the annual reviews of carers.

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EVIDENCE:

Procedures for investigating allegations against carers were in place and these were being followed. Arrangements had been made for an independent agency to provide support to carers who are subject to investigation.

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EVIDENCE:

No problems were noted in the sample of children’s case records examined. Some foster carers said that sometimes there were delays in receiving relevant information about the children placed with them. Foster carers were aware of the need to encourage, as appropriate, young people to reflect on and understand their past. Post approval training included sessions on ‘Life Story Work’ and ‘Listening to Children.

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EVIDENCE:

A system was in place for keeping records about allegations and complaints.

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EVIDENCE:

Family and friends carers received the same level of support from supervising social workers as other foster carers. Their training needs are agreed between the carers, the child’s social worker and the training coordinator. They can also attend the preparatory and post approval training provided to other foster carers. Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 The assessment process for family and friends carers is different and shorter than for other foster carers. However, there was evidence that there continued to be delays in some assessments being carried out after a young person was in placement. The Fostering Service’s draft procedures did comply with the Fostering Service Regulations 2001 concerning the timescale within which the assessment and approval of family and friends carers have to be done. Discussion with staff in the Fostering Team indicated that they were

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EVIDENCE:

sensitive to the particular needs of family and friends carers and the children placed with them. Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

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

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

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

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

BEING HEALTHY ACHIEVING ECONOMIC Standard No Score WELLBEING 12 2 Standard No Score 14 X STAYING SAFE 29 3 Standard No Score 3 3 MANAGEMENT 6 2 Standard No Score 8 3 1 X 9 3 2 X 15 3 4 3 30 3 5 3 16 3 ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING 17 3 Standard No Score 18 3 7 3 19 X 13 3 20 X 31 3 21 3 22 3 MAKING A POSITIVE 23 X CONTRIBUTION 24 2 Standard No Score 25 3 10 3 26 X 11 3 27 X 28 X 32 2 Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? YES

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

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

p.21

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action 1 FS12FS6 15 Ensure that each child is provided with the individual support, aids and equipment they require as a result of their particular healthcare needs or disability and, that an assessment of their needs is carried out promptly by suitably trained staff. 30/05/06

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

2 FS32 38 Review the arrangements for assessing and approving family and friend carers to ensure full compliance with Regulation 38 of the Fostering Service Regulations 2002. 30/03/06 Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22

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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.

p.22

RECOMMENDATIONS

No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations

p.22

RECOMMENDATIONS

1 FS12 Ensure that each foster carer is provided with basic training in first aid.

p.22

RECOMMENDATIONS

2 FS11 The Provider should ensure that children’s social workers carry out regular ‘boarding out’ visits in line with the Council’s policy. 3 FS21 Ensure that Fostering Service social workers provide a duty worker service during office hours in line with the Service’s Statement of Purpose. 4 FS24 Ensure that foster carers are provided with the relevant documentation in relation to each child or young person placed with them. 5 FS22 It is recommended that a protocol should be developed in relation to unannounced visits and what they should cover. Newcastle Fostering Service DS0000041538.V251838.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 23

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

Cramlington Area Office Northumbria House Manor Walks Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6UR

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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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