Setting

X10029.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 FOSTERING SERVICE

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PR1 3EA

Lead Inspector Mrs Monica Farrimond Announced Inspection 20th February 2006 09:00 Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to:

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PR1 3EA

• 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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PR1 3EA

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 Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.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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PR1 3EA

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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PR1 3EA

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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PR1 3EA

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. Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4

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Name of service

Lancashire County Council Fostering Services

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Name of service

Address Room 308, Social Services Directorate PO Box 162, East Cliff County Offices Preston Lancashire PR1 3EA Telephone number 01772 264429

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manager (if applicable)

Type of registration Local Auth Fostering Service Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5

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Conditions of registration:

Date of last inspection 16th February 2005

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Brief Description of the Service:

Lancashire County Council's fostering agency is part of the new Directorate for Children and Young People. This followed a review within Lancashire of the challenges and opportunities of the government Every Child Matters agenda. This has involved the key elements of the Directorate for Education and cultural services and the children and families element of the Social Services Directorate. The fostering service, together with other services for children and families which previously came within the Social Services Directorate, is now part of the Children's Social Care group within the new Directorate for Children and Young People.

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Brief Description of the Service:

There are currently four family placement teams across the county cited in the areas of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale,Northwest Lancashire, Morecambe Bay and South Lancashire. During this inspection, the inspectors focused on the east of the county, covering Hyndburn, Rossendale, Burnley and Pendle.

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Brief Description of the Service:

The inspectors were informed that new structural arrangements would shortly be put in place. Under these proposals the fostering service will come under local area line management arrangements. Area managers will be the decision-makers for fostering and adoption in addition to the children's fieldwork services. The new structure would also contain elements of a centralised structure ensuring independent chair in the fostering panels and the Independent chairing of foster carer reviews. The new revised structure is currently subject to final political ratification.

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Brief Description of the Service:

The service provides the following fostering resources:Fostering Focus (Specialist Fee Paid Fostering), Task Centered Fostering (undertaking work associated with short-term foster care) , and the permanence team, undertaking work associated with long-term fostering and adoption.

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Brief Description of the Service:

The fostering service works in partnership with various voluntary and independent agencies, and has corporate membership of the British agencies for Fostering and Adoption and Fostering network. Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.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

The inspection was announced, took place over a two-week period, commencing on the 20th of February 2006. Three inspectors carried out the inspection. Seven foster carers were visited and a number of children in placement contributed to the inspection. Senior managers, social workers, and support staff were interviewed during the inspection. An Inspector attended a foster carer group meeting in Earby and had the opportunity to speak to 11 carers. An Inspector attended a meeting in Burnley and spoke to 3 experienced foster carers. Inspectors also attended 3 fostering panels, including a fostering focus panel and an agency panel. Questionnaires were sent out to all foster carers and children in the placement over the age of 8 and also to placing authority social workers.

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SUMMARY

The files of all foster carers visited and the children in placement were examined by the inspectors. Concerns raised during the inspection by the foster carers, or the inspectors were passed on to senior management within the agency, and there was a proactive response.

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SUMMARY

Policy documentation and procedures were also examined.

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SUMMARY

An Inspector met with nine Family Placement Social Workers, and two inspectors attended a Management Team Meeting.

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What the service does well:

The family placement team provides an excellent level of support for foster carers. The recruitment and training process are thorough and effective. The foster carers and children who contributed to the inspection had many positive comments to make, a number of which are contained in the body of this report. Foster carers felt that there was a real team approach to the fostering task by the agency. The manager and staff were seen as approachable and active in their support for foster carers.

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What the service does well:

The foster carers make excellent efforts, supported by the family placement team social workers to maintain contact with families within the scope of placement agreements.

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What the service does well:

The family placement team social workers were praised by the foster carers for being readily available should concerns or problems arise with a placement. Discussions with the family placement team workers indicated an in-depth knowledge of the foster carers. Strengths and weaknesses were identified by social workers who were not necessarily the family link worker.

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What the service does well:

The family placement team social workers were dedicated and enthusiastic in their support for the foster carers. Ongoing training for the foster carers was Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 seen as high priority, and the team is to be commended for the efforts and imagination that go into promoting the welfare of the foster carers, and the continuing identification of foster carers training needs.

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What the service does well:

The inspectors also noted positive team spirit within the family placement team with strong effective leadership, led by the Team Manager and the Team Leaders.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The training programmes has been further developed in response to foster carers views on training. During January 2005 the employee development section undertook a ‘training needs analysis’ sending individual questionnaires to all foster carers and gaining feedback as to their training needs, issues, timing, locations and availability. The training needs analysis has helped to shape the training programme for the 2005/06 year.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

A programme of training along with assessment of competence to meet the requirements of the NVQ level 3 award has been delivered for a group of 11 fostering focus carers. The programme started in December 2004 and is due to finish in January/February 2005.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

In East Lancashire, where there are a significant proportion of ethnic minority communities, statutory check forms have been translated into 4 widely spoken Asian languages. Family placement team members have attended a course on working with interpreters. Networking is taking place in an effort to recruit carers from minority ethnic communities. Advertising posters for fostering focus feature child models from ethnic minorities and in a variety of languages.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The team in East Lancashire has developed a system for putting together profiles of carers for placing social workers and a child friendly version for the children who are to be placed there. A risk assessment form is now used to aid matching. Diaries have been provided to foster carers and training in the use of the diaries is ongoing.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The County has appointed a Participation Officer,whose role includes ascertaining young peoples views in relation to their experience of being fostered.In January 2006, the Participation Officer visited 18 children and young people in foster care within the East Lancashire area. She had developed questionnaires which she completed together with the young people. The results of the questionnaires had been collated and provided comprehensive insight into the young people's views on foster care.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The fostering focus scheme, where foster carers are specifically trained, and paid to take particularly challenging young people has been a success, with up to 100 young people being placed within their local area.

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What they could do better:

Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 The fostering service must obtain full and satisfactory information on all employees, most notably criminal records bureau enhanced checks.

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What they could do better:

The fostering service must ensure a child's written health record is given to the carer, and that this information routinely moves on with the child including any respite care the child may receive.

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What they could do better:

The fostering service must put in place a system for ensuring that the carers receive up-to-date relevant information in relation to any child placed to be fostered.

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What they could do better:

The fostering service must put in place a rigorous system for ensuring that statutory visits by placing social workers take place within time scales.

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What they could do better:

The fostering service must ensure the all significant events relating to the welfare of young people accommodated in foster homes is fully recorded, and evidence seen that there has been management oversight of any issues identified.

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What they could do better:

The fostering service must ensure that foster carer reviews take place on an annual basis.

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What they could do better:

The fostering service most ensure that social workers, foster carers, families and young people are aware that they can contact the Commission for Social Care Inspection if they have concerns in relation to the welfare of a young person in foster care.

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What they could do better:

Several foster carers showed dissatisfaction with the way in which payment is made, not only to themselves but also it was noted to other providers of services for foster children. For example, fees of £600 were owed to a nursery. A foster carer took the child to the nursery (this was part of the child's care plan) and was initially turned away because the fees had not been paid by Lancashire County Council.

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What they could do better:

Foster carers reported significant difficulty in contacting placement social workers of the foster children.

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What they could do better:

A common theme among feedback from foster carers was foster children’s social workers not turning up at the home for appointments, but most importantly not telephoning on the day to say that they weren't coming.

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What they could do better:

The fostering service should ensure that foster children’s social workers are encouraged to attend panels, where vital decisions are to be made in relation to the future placement of a child.

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What they could do better:

Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10

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CONTENTS

Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11

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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:

A more robust system for sharing young people's health care needs should be developed by the agency.

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EVIDENCE:

Feedback from questionnaires and feedback from foster carers indicated that the information given to them prior to placement was limited. One foster carer informed Inspector that she had been given verbally a description of the foster child having Asperger's syndrome. The foster carer had herself telephoned health professionals in an attempt to get a diagnosis for the child. She felt frustrated and unsupported by the child’s placing social worker. In one extreme example a foster carer looking after a young person on respite care had to take the young person to hospital, where it was discovered that the name given to the foster carer of the child was incorrect, the foster carer had also not been given the child's date of birth. This led to the child's stay being prolonged whilst inquiries were made as to the real name and date of birth of the young person. An audit should be completed of all children in placement to

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EVIDENCE:

ensure correct and comprehensive information relating to the health needs of the child is held on file and is passed to foster carers including respite carers. Another example noted by the inspectors was that of 2 children received into care late on a Friday afternoon. They were placed with foster carers, without appropriate documentation. One of the children was ill during the weekend and the foster carer ‘guessed’ he had asthma and could only ring the NHS helpline for advice. He was quite unwell but the foster carer daren't give him any medication. Four days following the placement it was noted that the family placement social worker made a second request to the field social worker for basic information. It was later noted that the child did in fact suffer from asthma, and the lack of this basic information could have proved extremely serious. Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12

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EVIDENCE:

First aid and health awareness training is offered including sexual health. A guide for the administration of medication in foster carers homes has now been developed. Lancashire County Council employ the services of a nurse to advise regarding the health and well being of looked after children. Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13

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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):

3,6,8,9,15,30 The policies of the agency are established to promote that the children's needs are recognised and met, however the processes by which these policies are followed need to be carefully examined to ensure the best possible outcome for any child placed in a foster home.

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EVIDENCE:

Examination of 6 staff personnel files, including those of senior managers, showed that CRB disclosure checks were not routinely reviewed, and in one case a police check had not been reviewed for 16 years. A system must be put in place to ensure that CRB checks are applied for and obtained and repeated at 3 yearly intervals. References are obtained, and these are also followed up by telephone reference.

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EVIDENCE:

The homes provided by foster carers visited during this inspection where found to be warm and comfortable and suited to the needs of the children who lived there. Health and safety checks are conducted on all prospective foster homes. Unannounced visits are conducted by social workers from the fostering team. Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Each foster home has its own safe care policy. Foster carers receive preparation and training regarding safe caring during the approval process. Each prospective carer is expected to write their own policy as part of the assessment process. The safe caring is reviewed by the foster team social worker. All carers and workers spoken with confirmed that the safe caring policy was implemented. It would be beneficial to ensure that the safe caring policy is reviewed at the time of a new placement, to ensure that it is adequate

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EVIDENCE:

and also at the child's statutory review. Risk assessments have been introduced in relation to placements of children and it is recommended that the risk assessment should reviewed at the child's statutory review.

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EVIDENCE:

The fostering service has an explicit policy regarding the use of punishments. It is in the statement of purpose, the children’s, parents’ and foster carers’ guides. The children who completed questionnaires indicated that if a punishment was received it was fair. The examination of children files highlighted one example where a child had been humiliated as a punishment, and there was a lack of appropriate action evidenced of the steps taken by the fostering agency in addressing this incident.

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EVIDENCE:

A placement coordinator maintains a database with the details of all available foster placements in the county, which is updated daily. The aim of this is to streamline the process of matching and ensure time is not wasted trying to find out information of placements available. This system also allows for monitoring and analysis of placements made.

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EVIDENCE:

It was felt that there was not sufficient carers to meet the diverse needs of the children who were supported in foster care, this is recognised by the agency who are intending to launch a recruitment drive within the local Black and minority ethnic communities. This has been an issue which has been highlighted in previous reports.

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EVIDENCE:

For planned placements there is an opportunity for a period of introduction to a foster carers home. In the case of an emergency placement the suitability of the placement should be reviewed during the first week by the fostering agency.

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EVIDENCE:

It was of grave concern that there were a number of children in placement who did not receive the statutory visits required from their social worker. The fostering agency should re-examine their current system to effectively monitor and risk assess each placement with regard to the frequency of statutory visits made by children’s social workers. The agency should take appropriate action if statutory visits do not occur. Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 The training received by foster carers includes caring for a child who has been abused, building resiliance in foster children, and ways of building and maintaining self esteem. The inspectors were informed that a policy in relation to physical intervention was in the process of being developed. Further discussions took place with regard to the use of physical intervention by foster carers with Team Leaders, who voiced serious concerns in relation to foster

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EVIDENCE:

carers being involved in restraints. The Commission shares the concerns raised. It is acknowledged that given the complex needs of some of the young people accommodated physical intervention may be appropriate ,however careful consideration must be given by the agency to the management and monitoring of any physical restraint of a child.

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EVIDENCE:

There is provision within the child protection procedures to collate and evaluate information relating to all allegations of abuse or neglect of a child in foster care. The Area Child Protection Committee has responsibility for the scrutiny and monitoring of this information. There is a chronological record maintained at the front all carers’ files regarding any allegations made about them. Lancashire County Council has recently appointed a Children's Safeguarding Manager, who will have oversight of all child protection issues.

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EVIDENCE:

The parent's guide to fostering gives advice on what parents can do if they feel their child is being bullied. This is not mentioned in the children's guide. The issue of bullying should be highlighted to foster carers so that they are aware of the particular vulnerability of looked after children and their susceptibility to bullying.

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EVIDENCE:

It was of concern that two examples where found in which a foster carer was not aware of history or concerns relating to children placed with them, which could have put themselves and their own children at risk. It is important that the agency provides the foster carers with full information about the foster child and her/his family to enable the carer to protect the foster child, their own children, other children for whom they have responsibility and themselves.

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EVIDENCE:

The staff of the agency are appropriately qualified and continue to develop these skills and expertise. Support workers are employed by the agency work under the supervision of qualified staff.

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EVIDENCE:

Three fostering panels were observed during this inspection. The role and responsibilities of the fostering panels are underpinned by policies and procedures, which were seen to be adhered to. The foster panels observed were constituted of experienced and relevant people. There was an independent member who had experience of being fostered on one panel. There was a representation by a member of a Black and minority ethnic community on the panel. Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 The inspectors were impressed at the care and consideration given to individual items and to the use of the expertise of individual members of the panel, in particular the experience of the foster carers attending panel.

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EVIDENCE:

The standard of reports to the panel from fostering team social workers was considered to be high. The reports were detailed and analytical, identifying relevant issues and how these have been explored and resolved with applicants. The inspector observed sensitive and informed discussion by panel members which demonstrated a good understanding of the responsibilities of foster carers and the needs of the children who may be placed with them. Foster carers are encouraged and supported to attend panel,and were seen to be treated with respect and empathy. Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17

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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):

7,13,31 The agency values diversity and respects the choices of the individual. The value of education is promoted and children are supported to achieve their potential.

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EVIDENCE:

Evidence was seen that the fostering services attempting to recruit a diverse range of carers. The literature produced encourages people from a diverse range of backgrounds to become foster carers. For example for fostering focus carers, the recruitment information is made available in a range of languages and all poster and publicity materials feature children and adult models from various ethnic backgrounds. Training has been offered to all foster carers in relation to diversity and equality, however the take up of this training has been disappointing. The initial training offered to new foster carers, ‘Skills to Foster’ emphasises the importance of identity and attachment. Diversity and equality training is mandatory for all social workers.

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EVIDENCE:

Evidence was seen that the fostered children and young people were supported in pursuing their hobbies and interests, and given opportunities to experience new activities. From discussion with foster carers, placed children, social workers and observation of files the inspectors found that not all looked after children have a Personal Education Plan. The fostering service promotes the aim to ensure that all looked after children are in education. The foster children spoken to had a positive view of education and it was noted they receive good encouragement from their carers. Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 There was also evidence that the fostering service promotes education by the provision of computers and soft wear, and educational toys. Budgets are also available for specific payments to be made for activities, and potential interests

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EVIDENCE:

to promote inclusion and self-confidence.

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EVIDENCE:

The fostering service has policies and procedures to meet the needs of children receiving short term breaks. The fostering scheme provides short term breaks (family link scheme) for children with disabilities. Respite is provided to carers where the need arises. Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19

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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):

10,11 The practice of the agency enables the children they support to be consulted about and contribute to the care they receive. The practice also enables the continuity of family links where appropriate.

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EVIDENCE:

There were frequent examples of the commitment to maintain family contacts and friendships. . Although family contact could be problematic, foster carers understood their responsibilities in respect of enabling this contact. The outcome of contact with family members is now recorded by foster carers and related to the child’s social worker. The importance of contact with birth families is promoted and addressed in the pre approval training for foster carers. Evidence of appropriate monitoring of family contact with foster carers was seen during the inspection. The foster carer preparation and subsequent training highlights the importance of listening to the views of children on all matters affecting them. The children who completed questionnaires confirmed that they felt that they were consulted and there views acted upon, and gave examples of how their situation had changed following the expression of their

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EVIDENCE:

views. Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 There is evidence that the opinions of children and young people, are sought regarding their experience of the fostering service. The formal provision under the LAC review system ensures that children and young people, their families and significant others have the opportunity to express views on relevant matters. Appropriate views from the Looked after children (LAC) review are fed into the foster carers annual review. The appointment of the Participation Officer should further enhanced the consultation process with families and other interested parties.

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EVIDENCE:

A system of complaint known as the “contact card” exists whereby children and young people can make contact with senior managers if they have a problem with any aspect of their care. As previously noted, the complaints procedure should be updated in the Childrens Guide and the A-Z guide. The fostering service has a service level agreement with Lancashire Children’s Rights Service, who can be contacted independently. This service had been used by some foster carers and children in placement, who viewed it as a very effective and useful service. It is important that all foster carers are aware that the Commission for Social Care Inspection can be approached in relation to concerns relating to the welfare of young people. Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21

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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):

14,29 The policies of the agency enable young people to be prepared for independence.

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EVIDENCE:

Skills and competence in terms of preparing children and young people for independent or semi independent living are promoted by the foster team in conjunction with the carers and the leaving care teams. Pathway plans are in place for young people who are to leave foster care, and these are reviewed as part of the LAC review process.

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EVIDENCE:

Allowances and agreed expenses are paid to carers. They are based on the Fostering Network recommendations. All foster carers are given a schedule of current payment levels annually. Payments are made through the BACS system fortnightly. Provision can be made for interim payment if necessary. Feedback from foster carers indicated that some foster carers had to wait longer to receive payment than others, particularly in relation to reimbursement for expenses.

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EVIDENCE:

One foster carer gave the example of not being paid a basic allowance for a significant period which was to be actioned by the agency. Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

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

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

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

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

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

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

17,21,24 The Management of the Fostering Team is committed to providing a good service. Further work needs to be done to develop more effective links with children’s social workers to ensure a co-ordinated approach to placements. Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23

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EVIDENCE:

Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 The inspectors felt that the numbers, experience and qualifications of the fostering team were adequate to meet the needs of the fostering service. and in line with the Statement of Purpose.However staffing shortages have been identified in the East Lancashire Team.

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EVIDENCE:

The fostering service are looking to extend the fostering focus scheme, which has been successful. The scheme currently accommodates up to 100 young people within specialist foster homes. The service is hoping to extend the scheme to look after up to 120 young people. There are new proposed structural arrangements in place including the separation of the fostering and adoption services. Under these proposals the fostering service will come under local area line management arrangements. Area managers will be the decision-makers for fostering and adoption in addition to the children's fieldwork services. The new structure will also contain elements of a centralised structure that will ensure independent chairing in the fostering panels and independent chairing the foster care reviews. The new revised structure is currently subject to trade union consultations and final political ratification. The retention of staff by the agency is seen to be a reflection of a

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EVIDENCE:

supportive working environment; staff and foster carers spoken with felt valued by the agency. The fostering agency conducts recruitment campaigns throughout Lancashire, through a variety of mediums, including advertising in local papers, radio adverts, leaflets and newspaper articles. The agency is keen to promote inclusiveness and has ensured that all its publicity materials reflect the diversity of the local population.

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EVIDENCE:

All assessments of prospective carers follow the BAAF Form F format. The carers spoken with had found the assessment thorough and well managed.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster carers felt that there were clear sources of support, there are a variety of support groups which meet regularly, and these are attended by at least one member of the foster team. The foster carers who commented felt supported in their roles as foster carers, and spoke highly of the dedication of the fostering team social workers. The introduction of the out of hours support, via a telephone line manned by members of the fostering team, has been welcomed by foster carers. The foster carers spoken with confirmed that they were visited regularly by their foster team social worker, and were confident that support would be available in times of crisis. However, as previously stated in this report carers felt frustrated and at times angry with the imput and lack of support from children’s social workers. Reviewing systems in place had not highlighted the lack of statutory visits by the field workers. They felt

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EVIDENCE:

particularly vulnerable in relation to lack of basic information concerning the health needs of the young people they looked after, and information in relation to the history of a young person which could put themselves or their families at risk of allegations being made. One experienced carer informed the Inspector that she found it very hard to support the plan for a child to have no contact with her mother when she was unaware of the history. The fieldwork social worker specifically chose not to share any of the history with the foster carer. Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 Record seen were comprehensive and up to date, and in good order. There are separate formats for carer and child files, any documents relating to the child are placed separately within the foster carer file and removed when the placement ends. The team manager monitors the files maintained and

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EVIDENCE:

Foster carers have been issued with secure filing boxes to ensure records are kept safely. The content and format of foster carers diaries was discussed and this is an area which needs further consideration and development. Discussions with foster carers indicated that they were unsure to whom the diary belonged, and there needs to be more clarification in this area. Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

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

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

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

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

BEING HEALTHY ACHIEVING ECONOMIC Standard No Score WELLBEING 12 2 Standard No Score 14 3 STAYING SAFE 29 2 Standard No Score 3 2 MANAGEMENT 6 3 Standard No Score 8 2 1 x 9 1 2 X 15 2 4 X 30 3 5 X 16 X ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING 17 3 Standard No Score 18 X 7 3 19 X 13 3 20 X 31 2 21 2 22 X MAKING A POSITIVE 23 X CONTRIBUTION 24 2 Standard No Score 25 X 10 3 26 X 11 3 27 X 28 X 32 X Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection?

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

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

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action 1 FS3 FS15 20(3)(d)(i) The fostering service must obtain full and satisfactory information on all employees in respect of each of the matters specified in paragraphs 1 to 6 of schedule 1. 01/04/06

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

2 FS12 17(3) The fostering service must ensure that the child's written health record is given to the carer, and that this information routinely moves on with that child. 01/04/06

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

3 FS24 17(3) The fostering service must put in place a system for ensuring that carers receive up to date relevant information in relation to any child placed or to be placed. 01/04/06

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

4 FS9 12(f)(ii) The fostering service must ensure that to all persons working for the purposes of the fostering service and children placed by the fostering service are aware of information which would enable them to contact the commission for social care inspection regarding any 01/04/06 Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 concern about child welfare or safety. 5 FS21 35(1)(a)(b)(c) The fostering agency must ensure that statutory visits to the child ,in the home in which he is placed take place by the field social workers. 01/04/06

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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 FS24 Foster carers should have access to all relevant information to help the child understand and come to terms with past events 2 FS9 The fostering service should show clear evidence of any investigation into humiliating forms of treatment, including any training issues identified. 3 FS16 The fostering service should ensure that systems are in place to enable reviews of carers to be managed and implemented effectively. 4 FS29 The fostering service should have efficient financial arrangements for the payment of foster carers. 5 FS21 The fostering service should ensure that the social workers for the children in placement, fully support the placements. 6 FS30 Fieldwork social workers should be encouraged to attend panel meetings when vital decisions are to be made in relation to a child's future placement. 7 FS8 The fostering service must continue to recruit a diverse range of carers. 8 FS9 The fostering service should highlight to foster carers the

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RECOMMENDATIONS

particular vulnerability of looked after children and their susceptibility to bullying, and put procedures into place for foster carers to recognise, record and address any incidents of bullying and to help foster carers cope with it. Lancashire County Council Fostering Services DS0000041383.V270859.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 29

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

Aylesbury Office Cambridge House 8 Bell Business Park Smeaton Close Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP19 8JR

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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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