Setting

X10029.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 FOSTERING SERVICE

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Lead Inspector Sandra Jacobs-Walls & Kristen Judd Announced Inspection 6th February 2006 10:00 London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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. London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4

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Name of service

London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team

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Name of service

Address London Borough of Hackney 205 Morning Lane Hackney London E9 6JX

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manager (if applicable)

Type of registration Local Auth Fostering Service

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of places

London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5

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Conditions of registration:

Date of last inspection 7th February 2005

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Brief Description of the Service:

The London Borough of Hackney Social Services provides a comprehensive fostering service as part of its overall service provision to children who are looked after by the Local Authority. The fostering teams restructured over two years ago and are an integral part of Hackney’s Children and Family Services.

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Brief Description of the Service:

The primary role of the Hackney fostering service is to recruit foster carers from the local area and to find suitable placements for children. A diverse group of foster carers are sought from a range of social, ethnic and religious backgrounds to match children/young people requiring foster placements.

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Brief Description of the Service:

The following services are provided: an initial enquiry duty desk for people interested in fostering; the assessment of applicants, group preparation and training for prospective carers. Ongoing training, information, support and seminar days are available and experienced carers are encouraged to participate in NVQ level 3 training. All carers are assigned a supervising social worker that is responsible for the monitoring and support of foster carers and placements. Staff of the fostering service come from a range of professional backgrounds and generally reflect the ethnic makeup of the local community.

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Brief Description of the Service:

Experienced carers offer support, advice, mentoring and friendship to newly recruited foster carers. Support groups and social events are organised by the service and foster carers have access to a staffed ‘out of hours’ phone line and the emergency duty social work team. Membership of Hackney Foster Care Association and Fostering Network is also available.

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Brief Description of the Service:

Foster carers receive allowances and separate fees. They have access to a quarterly newsletter, equipment loans and computers and a range of professionals who can offer support (e.g. designated LAC education and health specialists). Carers are expected to work closely with the children/young peoples’ social worker in order to maximise placement success. Approved foster carers and their performance is reviewed annually and presented to the fostering panel for re-approval/de-registration decisions. London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 announced inspection of the fostering service of the London Borough of Hackney Social Services Department commenced on February 6 th 2006 for the duration of two weeks. Two inspectors conducted the inspection. The inspection process included the interview of the head of service, three fostering team managers and ten other staff personnel, the interview of nine foster carers in their home and seven young people in placement with the carers at the time. Thirteen approved foster carer files were reviewed by inspectors together with the files of any young people placed with them at the time of the inspection. Inspectors also reviewed the comments of fourteen (14) foster carers and ten (10) ‘Looked After Children’ via returned CSCI questionnaires. One inspector attended an evening session of a homework club specifically for Looked After Children (LAC) and the other inspector attended an evening Open

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SUMMARY

Day for the service’s newly developing Therapeutic Foster Care Programme.

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As a result of the inspection X requirements and X recommendations

The inspectors would like to thank all foster carers, young people, managers and staff who co-operated and contributed to the inspection process.

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What the service does well:

The service has an impressive record of attracting, assessing and approving growing numbers of foster carers; the service has over 140 approved foster carers and a small number awaiting approval. Overall foster carers who met with inspectors or who commented via forwarded questionnaires responded very positively about services offered via the fostering service. All foster carers spoke very highly of the quality and effectiveness of support they received via the fostering service, in particular, the skills and experience of supervising social workers. Approved foster carers similarly commented positively on the assessment process and the careful co-ordination of placement start.

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What the service does well:

Information received via the fostering service was said to be user friendly, useful and in some instances vital to the success of placements. Training opportunities were described by a number of foster carers as being “excellent”. London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 7 The fostering service has also done well in retaining staff; inspectors were informed that since last year’s annual inspection only three members of staff had resigned and a further three former temporary staff members had become permanent employees.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The service has made promising start in developing two new projects; Hackney’s Therapeutic Foster Care programme and a developing service to address private foster care within the borough. Both projects are in very early stages of development it was clear to inspectors that much effort and commitment from staff involved and management to promote and encourage the success of both projects.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Inspectors were made aware and saw demonstrations of the fostering service’s newly developed information database, Foster Care Plus. The data base available to a number of team’s with the department’s children’s services is primarily utilised by members of the fostering team to access current information regarding foster carers and placements. At the time of the inspection, the system was still under development, but it was clear that the database would be a vital component to the continuing efficiency of the fostering service in particular to those responsible for identifying potential foster care placements for young people.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The fostering service has continued to make significant improvements in training opportunities for foster carers which was again very positively commented upon by foster carer who met with inspectors. Core training and more specialised training to carers was offered and there was an increased effort to involve supervising social workers and foster carers themselves in an attempt to identify and address training gaps. The service is also commended for its efforts in promoting the educational attainment of looked after young people, the service’s commitment to valuing diversity and the facilitation of contact between Looked After Children and their families.

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What they could do better:

Despite very clear developments in a number of projects within the fostering service, inspectors were of the view that this concentration of developing new systems and programmes had a somewhat negative impact on some areas of the service assessed at last years inspection as being efficient and effective. This, inspectors felt was particularly true of basic case management and administrative tasks and process of the service. So, for example some files seen did not evidence the required annual unannounced visit to foster carer homes; similarly, some files did not contain updated health and safety checks, London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 8 supervisory visits to placements sometimes appeared to be merely a repeat of the previous visit, despite significant changes noted elsewhere on file.

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What they could do better:

The fostering service as a matter of priority must review its management of complaints and allegations within the service and develop improved systems to record and monitor all instances and outcomes. The designated office space for the fostering service remains cause for significant concern as it had been during the previous year’s inspection. This situation is compounded by the continued success of the fostering service to develop the services, which will inevitably result in an increased workforce. The current office premises are wholly unsuited to accommodate any such increase. The operation of the service’s fostering panel will also need to be reviewed.

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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. London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9

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CONTENTS

Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10

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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:

The fostering service promotes the health and development of children and young people who access the service.

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EVIDENCE:

Inspectors saw very good evidence that the physical health and emotion well- being of young people in placement were appropriately being monitored and addressed. The ability of prospective foster carers to meet the health care needs of young people in placement is consistently explored as part of the assessment process and continually as foster placements progressed. Newly approved foster carers are required to attend ‘core’ training of which one of the sessions (Health of Looked After Children) features. The service’s foster carer handbook, reviewed at the previous inspection contained practical guidance to foster carers in monitoring the healthcare needs of young people.

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EVIDENCE:

Some foster carers interviewed as part of the inspection process were clear that a feature of their role was to meet the health care needs of young people in placement and all confirmed that young people placed with them were registered with a local GP and other relevant healthcare services. One file reviewed contained information obtained via the Internet of a very specific medical condition one young person was living with. The condition, its impact, symptoms and treatment options were highlighted. This information had been shared with the carer to enhance her knowledge and management of the young person’s healthcare needs

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EVIDENCE:

Healthcare, medical and mental health needs of young people also featured prominently in most Looked After Children (LAC) reviews. The service has access to specialist medical input from the ‘Looked After’ service in addition to specialist mental health (LAC Therapy) services. London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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):

3,6,8,9,15 & 30 Managers of the fostering service are suitable to perform their duties and the service provides suitable foster carers. Good efforts are made to appropriately match Looked After Children with foster placements, however, where exceptions (exemptions) were authorized; this needed to be clearly evidenced on file. The fostering service protects young people from abuse and neglect however; improvements must be made to the documentation of allegations and any outcome of investigations. Staff of the fostering service were considered to be very suited to their roles, however, staff personnel files must evidence all information as outlined in Schedule 1 of the Fostering Service Regulations. During this inspection, inspectors did not have an opportunity to observe a foster care panel meeting. However, minutes of recent fostering panel meetings were reviewed which highlighted a number of deficiencies in

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EVIDENCE:

Inspectors were satisfied that staff of the fostering service were appropriately qualified and experienced to perform their designated roles well; all social work staff had relevant social work qualifications and other designated staff e.g. administrative staff and the training and marketing officers were similarly well qualified and experienced. Managers of the fostering service possessed good management experience and were effective leaders. It was the inspectors’ opinions however that the service in the past year had clearly missed the input of the service manager who had been absent for several months due to special London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 leave. It was apparent that some of the service monitoring that the service manager ordinarily performed was somewhat lacking. Her presence on the fostering panel and decision making with regard to individual and complicated

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EVIDENCE:

case scenarios continued to be significant omission.

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EVIDENCE:

The fostering service has clear guidelines with regard to the matching process; staff of the Access to Resources Team (ART), have access to current information about both foster carers and young people in need of foster care placements to facilitate the appropriate matching of the two. Inspectors saw on file good documentation of discussion held between staff responsible for various roles within the fostering service in making decision regarding the matching of young people with foster carers. Nonetheless inspectors were aware via the selected files of foster carers that a fair number of exemptions were also in place. Inspectors were aware that the service had systems in place to identify where exemptions had been authorised and agreed, however this documentation was not always evident on file, despite improved administrative systems. Inspectors were assured that as administrative systems and databases are fully developed, this would be reflected on file.

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EVIDENCE:

In some cases where exemption had been made, inspectors were impressed by the efforts of foster carers to ensure all young people’s identified needs were met. So, for example, one foster carer interviewed who did not share the same ethnic and cultural group as the sibling group placed with her spoke candidly about her efforts to ensure meals prepared were culturally appropriate. The carer indicated that she had encouraged the young people to identify traditional Turkish foods while food shopping and encouraged the older sibling to assist prepare these meals. Other carers had highlighted their efforts to encourage young people attend relevant places of worship to ensure their religious/spiritual needs were being met. This carer commented,

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died.”

Inspectors were generally satisfied that the fostering service was able to protect each child/young person from abuse and neglect. Child protection training for foster carers is ‘core ‘ training and most foster carers interviewed demonstrated good awareness of related policies and procedures. Foster carers interviewed commented that child protection training and related information via the foster carers handbooks was extremely useful. One foster said,

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things in relation to the law”

London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 The service monitors all instances of actual or suspected abuse of young people while in placement and maintains central records of all allegation made against foster carers. While inspectors in most instances saw good documented file information about the management of allegations against foster carers, outcomes of investigations were not consistently recorded on file and in some instances the centrally held record of allegations did not reflect information seen on individual foster carer files. A useful recording tool of allegations to be placed on the front of each foster carer files when an allegation is reported was in some instances missing from files selected for the purpose of the inspection. There is a need for more robust monitoring of reported allegations, its management and documentation on file.

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things in relation to the law”

All of the foster carers had completed CRB checks in place however it was noted that some of the supporting networks did not have CRB or they were out of date. One case who was a single carer with two placements and three of her own children all under the age of thirteen had not one supporting person with a CRB. It is essential that carers have such a network to assist when necessary or emergency situations. The reviewing officer confirmed that this was a problem that was being picked up at annual reviews.

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things in relation to the law”

The previous inspection had highlighted the need for staff files to evidence all required information as per Schedule 1 of the Fostering Service Regulations. Previously information was not evident on files of agency and administrative staff in particular. Inspectors reviewed the personnel file for a number of employees of the fostering service and found once that while full information was evident for permanent members of staff, the files for two administrative officers seen lacked required information. One admin officer’s file did not evidence a CRB check, while the other staff files did not evidence positive proof of identification as required. Inspectors reviewed the personnel files for five agency workers, two of the files did not contained photographic identity, and one contained no references or employment history. This requirement is therefore repeated.

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things in relation to the law”

With regard to the service’s fostering panel, inspectors did not attend a panel meeting during this inspection. Evidence showed that prospective foster carer assessments were presented for panel approval, as were foster carer reviews. Panel membership included a cross section of expertise and independent members. Inspectors did have however, access a selection of minutes of previous panel meetings; it was noted that the months of September 05, November 05, December 05 and January 06 were not quorate as there was no social worker representing the agency present. It is clear that is the responsibility of the chair of the panel to ensure that fostering panel meeting are conducted in accordance with the Fostering Services Regulations London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 The November panel noted that the October panel minutes were not available to be agreed and would be presented at the December panel. There was no

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things in relation to the law”

evidence on the December minutes that this occurred.

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things in relation to the law”

Through the tracking of information on Form F’s and reviews the inspector was satisfied that the panel followed through on issues and issues and held relevant discussions prior to recommendations being made. However one form F presented in September clearly had gaps in employment history with little information, the inspector felt that this issue should have been discussed further.

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things in relation to the law”

Another case presented at the September panel indicated that there were outstanding issues for example a reference was required for one of the applicants and the panel stated that the carers skills in caring for babies were limited and indicated that the carers might be best suited for teenagers. Even so, this case was not deferred but approved for an age range of 0-12 years.

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things in relation to the law”

A third case resulted in the fostering panel approving the prospective carers even though four issues on the Form F required amendment and four issues needed further followed up .The inspector tracked these issues and noted that some of these and amendment had not been completed. The carers at the time of inspection had their (first) placement with an exception in place as the age of the child was out of approval category.

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things in relation to the law”

Since reviewing the minutes of recent fostering panel meeting minutes, inspectors have been made aware of the fostering panel’s current practice to no longer defer approval of applicants and re-approval of existing foster carers subject to further information, enquiry or documentation. Thus it is no longer the case that applicants who do not, for example evidence CRB checks at panel will be approved, subject to cleared CRB’s being produced. Managers of the fostering service explained that this decision was prompted by the untenable situation of having to wait and/or follow up on missing documentation for foster carers who were essentially deemed ’approved’. Inspectors were in agreement that this was good practice and made explicit placement availability to the fostering service and department as a whole. London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15

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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 fostering service values diversity and promotes the educational achievement of Looked After Children. Respite care services are appropriately facilitated.

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EVIDENCE:

Inspectors saw consistent evidence to support the view that the fostering service valued diversity. Keen records are maintained about the gender, ethnicity, special skills and knowledge held by foster carers; managers were well aware of community groups under represented in the current foster carer group. These were identified, as primarily being foster carers those cultural backgrounds was White UK, specifically for teenage placements and foster carers of Vietnamese origin. Throughout the assessment and preparation training issues of diversity are explicitly explored with prospective foster carers who also are required to evidence competency is their ability to effectively address issues of diversity. The fostering service employs a specialist worker to complete assessments for potential carers who have an interest and/or skill in caring for young people who are disabled. This worker is a member of the

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EVIDENCE:

team designated to recruit and assess potential foster carers.

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EVIDENCE:

The staff group of the fostering team is culturally diverse and there are sound policies in place to promote equal opportunities and embrace diversity. Relevant training scheduled for foster carers this year include training that addressed issues of identity, caring for unaccompanied minors and HIV awareness training. The fostering service is commended for its efforts in this area of its work. London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 Respite services are available to foster carers; some foster carers interviewed indicated they were aware of respite provision but had rare occasion to utilise departmental respite carers. The inspector also interviewed a foster carer who was approved to offer respite care to other foster carers. The carer indicated that she had offered respite services somewhat regularly.

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EVIDENCE:

The educational attainment of young people in placement is clearly a priority for the fostering service and the service is commended for its pro-active approach in addressing the educational needs of young people in its care.

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EVIDENCE:

Young people’s files reviewed contained good information pertaining to their educational needs, particularly as expected at LAC reviews. Foster carers interviewed had a clear understanding about their role in promoting the educational attainment of young people placed in their care and most seemed to have developed effective liaison with local educational establishments. One foster care informed the inspector of the difficulty she had experienced in getting the young person placed with her enrolled in the school of her choice. The carer together with the young person’s allocated social worker and with the support of the supervising social worker had convened and attended a number of meeting focused on the young person’s educational needs in order to maximise his educational success. The young person in question confirmed when he met with the inspector that he was appreciative of the efforts of the

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EVIDENCE:

department and his carer in particular in identifying “ a good school” for him to attend.

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EVIDENCE:

One of the inspectors visited the ‘homework club’ one evening where seven young people were being supported with various aspects of education. For example one young person was being given assistance in writing a careers letter and one was being assisted with an English programme on the computer. Staffing ratios were high which enabled one to one support if needed. Young people who spoke with the inspector gave very positive feedback and were clearly very comfortable in this relaxed environment.

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EVIDENCE:

Staff spoken to also informed the inspector that support is given to young people who do not have school places. External tutors are used for the out of bough placements.

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EVIDENCE:

The inspector cross-referenced young peoples files, which confirmed the input from the educational specialist. Additionally the inspector was informed that further support includes educational planning meetings, liaising directly with schools, or giving advice to the foster carers in educational matters. The fostering service is commended for its efforts to encourage the educational attainment of young people in foster placements. London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 promotes contact arrangements for children/young people and similarly promotes consultation.

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EVIDENCE:

Individual files reviewed by inspectors contained well-documented evidence of appropriate and consistent contact between young people in foster care placements and their birth families. Most of the foster carers interviewed by inspector were involved in co-ordinating family contact of young the people. Files seen evidenced some very complex arrangements, involving external bodies for the purposes of supervised contact. The fostering service offered good support to foster carers involved in contact arrangements, some of which were facilitating daily contact between very young children in their care and their families. One foster care interviewed described how for a newborn baby in her care, she travelled daily from North London to South London to facilitate agreed contact between the baby and birth parents.

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EVIDENCE:

The inspector met with another foster carer who explained that the challenging behaviour of a sibling group had rendered it untenable for her to continue to transport the young sisters to visit their parents. In this instance transport and an escort was provided to ensure contact arrangements could be carried out safely. Effective working with birth families was well explored throughout the assessment process and featured as a ‘core’ training subject for foster carers. The fostering service is again commended for its efforts in facilitating contact between ‘Looked After Children’ and their families.

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EVIDENCE:

Files reviewed evidenced that fair effort was being made by the fostering service to obtain the views and opinions of children/young people in placement London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 and the opinions of their families. As appropriate young people and their significant family members were routinely invited to participate in LAC reviews. Young people were encouraged to voice their opinions about care received via foster placements as part of the annual reviewing process of foster carers. Supervising social workers are encouraged to liaise with young people in placement during supervisory visits. Some files reviewed evidenced some very good exploration with young people by supervising social workers about young people’s satisfaction with the care provided. Other files were less enlightening. London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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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The Commission considers Standards 29 the key standard 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 prepares young people for adulthood. Foster carers are paid an allowance and agreed expenses.

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EVIDENCE:

Inspectors were aware from reviewing the service’s Foster Carer Handbook during the previous year’s inspection that this comprehensive document contained information to foster carers about assisting young people to live more independently in preparation to them leaving care. The inspector interviewed the service manager of the department’s Leaving Care Service who shared ongoing developments within the service to address what is viewed as a transitional period as ‘Looked After’ young people approached adulthood. The service manager described how ongoing collaboration between the LAC and fostering teams had led to an improved understanding of statutory obligations and ultimately had improved services to older young people. The department’s Pathway Team holds case responsibility for young people preparing to leave care and often supports foster carers to assist young people live more independent lives. Inspectors did not have the opportunity on this

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EVIDENCE:

occasion to meet with any young person in foster placement preparing to leave local authority care.

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EVIDENCE:

The fostering service has continued to develop financial systems to assist track and monitor payment and expenses to foster carers. The newly developed database, Foster Care Plus complements existing processes. The vast majority of foster cares interviewed by inspectors indicated that they promptly received expected payments and that this was a clear benefit to being a Hackney Foster carer. One foster carer stated, London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20

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“I got an initial payment on the first day of the placement and after

that payment went into my account – I’ve had no problems being paid. When the baby needed a cot my link worker sorted it out for me”.

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“I got an initial payment on the first day of the placement and after

Inspectors were aware of ongoing negotiation between one foster carer that was interviewed and managers of the fostering team regarding payment of fees. At the time of the inspection, this situation was yet to be resolved.

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“I got an initial payment on the first day of the placement and after

One other foster carer interviewed said,

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“Now I get my payments regularly – this wasn’t the case in the past”

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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, and 24 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):

1,2,4,5,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28 and 32

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

There is a clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and the service is appropriately managed; staff are properly accountable and supported. Staff numbers are adequate and the staff group are organised and managed efficiently. The fostering service is a fair and competent employer with good training opportunities for staff. There is a clear strategy in place for working with and supporting carers, carers are generally well supported and receive fair supervision; the quality and frequency of this supervision was London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 22 varied and there is a need for more consistent monitoring of individual foster carer files. Training opportunities for foster carers is excellent.

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

Not all case records for children are comprehensive, administrative records are maintained as required and the monitoring of the service was generally good, although particular attention needs to be made to the management of complaints. The office premises are wholly unsatisfactory and cause of great concern. The fostering service is financially viable and has robust financial processes. The service needs to develop further a programme to address ‘kinship’ care arrangements. The service is commended for its continued success in attracting and completing assessments and presenting to panel potential foster carers for consideration of approval.

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EVIDENCE:

Inspectors had reviewed the fostering service’s Statement of Purpose during the previous year’s inspection. The document at that time was considered satisfactory. The head of Children’s Resources confirmed that no changes to the document had been made, but further revision was anticipated in light of developing projects within the service. Managers of the fostering service were well qualified and experienced to carry out their duties and were extremely highly spoken of both staff and foster carers.

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EVIDENCE:

The fostering service has keen systems in place to monitor and control activity; the newly developed database, as mentioned elsewhere in this report, complements existing systems that effectively tracked all aspects of the fostering service. However, there is a need for the improved monitoring of individual foster carer files in particular to ensure that required tasks are completed in a timely fashion. So, for example, inspectors were concerns with regard to some of the recording seen on file. In one instance there was evidence to suggest that supervision sessions were ‘ cut and pasted’ from previous visits. It is the inspectors view supervision sessions should be very individual and it is concerning that such practice occurs.

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EVIDENCE:

Another file examined highlighted that the carer had moved, supervision sessions showed the change of address in July 05 however through further tracking it was noted that the carers actually moved in January 05.

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EVIDENCE:

The inspector interviewed the reviewing officer designated to review all approved foster carers on an annual basis. It was clear that many of the reviews had been out of date. Much work had to done remedy the situation. Through the tracking of care it was confirmed that in some cases reviews were out of date by several months. Additionally there were concerns as there was at times a 2-3 month delay in presenting reviews to panel when appropriate. London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 23 On examination of reviews there was a lack of feedback from previous placements, the agency must find ways of liaising with the social workers to determine how placements have gone, this is particularly important when there is a breakdown of placement as it may assist in determining future approval status for carers.

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EVIDENCE:

Inspectors were concerned about the recording and response of the fostering service to some complaints. Inspectors were aware of a number of outstanding complaints having been made against the department by one foster carer in particular. Some aspects of the complaint pertained specifically to the fostering service and resolution was very outstanding. Inspectors would encourage managers of the fostering service to keep accurate central records within the service of all complaints made, even those that were subsequently forwarded to the departmental Complaints Section. Every effort should be made to address and resolve complaints within timescales that are in accordance with departmental policies.

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EVIDENCE:

With regard to support offered to foster carers supervising social workers aim to visit once a month and telephone every week although this was not always the case. Some of the files examined provided very in-depth recording, which was to a very high standard. However through the tracking of supervision visits on carers’ files the inspector had concerns in particular about support offered to carers placed out of borough and some distance away. For example one carer had only three supervision sessions recorded between January 05 and January 06. The carer had three placements all of were deemed young people with challenging behavior. Another who was relatively newly approved had received two sessions in a period of five months. This carer had also not received the carer handbook; this was highlighted in supervision twice but did not appear to have been resolved. The carers’ handbook provides much guidance for carers and the agency should ensure that all carers received such

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EVIDENCE:

However, despite this evidence it was clear that all foster carers who were interviewed or responded to questionnaires indicated that the support they received via the fostering service was exemplary. One foster carer commented,

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supervising social worker is always available when needed, she deals

with things immediately. I can’t say anything negative about her”.

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social workers and got on really well with all of them; they’ve always

been there and it helps if you know the support is there”. London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 24 Yet another foster carer who gave an account of a number of difficulties she had experienced via the department as a whole and the fostering service in particular commented,

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worker, I can’t fault her, she’s really tried to help”

Through the tracking of recorded supervision sessions the inspectors raised some concerns at the standard of recording. For example on carers received virtually identical recording for two sessions. It was noted that the same errors in recording were present in both documents.

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worker, I can’t fault her, she’s really tried to help”

There was also concern regarding the quality of supervision visits; one case in particular the first recorded supervision of this new carer made no reference to the first placement, which were twin babies, which were outside of the foster carers approval. It is the inspectors’ view that such key placements are important and it would have been beneficial to discuss with the foster carer how the placement had progressed particularly as the placement was out of approval category.

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worker, I can’t fault her, she’s really tried to help”

On balance the supervising social worker spoken to clearly had a wealth of knowledge of the foster carers, the support they needed and the young people in their care. The inspector highlighted to staff that this knowledge was not always evidenced on the foster carers files.

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worker, I can’t fault her, she’s really tried to help”

All of the carers files contained signed foster carer agreements in place however one of the files seen had only signed the agreement prior to the inspection which was five months after approval. The agency must ensure that such documentation is completed at the time of approval.

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worker, I can’t fault her, she’s really tried to help”

The inspector also saw evidence of carers receiving unannounced visits however concern was raised as it was noted that two carers received unannounced visits on the same day within a period of fifteen minutes of each other. The supervision social worker spoken to confirmed that the unannounced visits are brief. Whilst the inspector acknowledges that should visits should be fairly brief so as not to intrude it is also an opportunity to assess normal home life and these visits must be of good quality. The reports of these were of very poor quality.

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worker, I can’t fault her, she’s really tried to help”

Inspectors were impressed by the efforts of the fostering service to continue to attract potential foster carers, complete comprehensive assessments and present to the fostering panel for approval. The continued success of the marketing of the service using creative initiatives continues to be strength of the service. Inspectors reviewed a range of literature used for marketing and advertising purposes to attract potential carers. Literature reviewed was clear and user friendly. The services marketing officer was interviewed by the inspector and shared new developments in the service’s efforts to help attract London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 25 potential carers. New initiatives included liaison with a local independent fostering agency that had impressive track record in attracting foster carers of Vietnamese origin, of which there is a shortfall within the service itself. Local

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worker, I can’t fault her, she’s really tried to help”

marketing of the fostering service appears to be very widespread including local newspapers and other local publication. The inspector also attended an open day for the services developing Therapeutic Foster Care programme. This was extremely well presented with comprehensive information and clear commitment from staff of the fostering service. It was very apparent that continued commitment and clear strategies have greatly contributed to the significant expansion of foster carer numbers. This effort exceeds the standard and is commended.

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worker, I can’t fault her, she’s really tried to help”

Inspectors interviewed nine (non management) staff members of the fostering service. Training opportunities, they said had improved since the previous year and inspectors saw documented on file supervisory case discussion. Opportunities were available for staff to do some joint work with staff from other children’s teams within the department and some staff members had involved themselves in the training programme for foster carers. Staff interviewed were asked to comment on the support they received via team and senior managers of the fostering service; each in turn commented that they felt very well supported by their line managers and senior managers of the service. One staff member said of her line manager

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afraid to admit when he’s wrong – he doesn’t put you down. He’s a

Another staff member said of his line manager,

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and someone who has allowed me to develop”

Of the third team manager, another staff member commented,

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support is also always available when I need it”

Staff indicated that they were satisfied with the input of the fostering service’s senior manager. One staff member interviewed said

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“Senior management are supportive of our efforts, they have a better

understanding of policies, team issues and appropriate processes”.

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“Senior management are supportive of our efforts, they have a better

One foster carer interviewed at her home said of the senior manager, London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 26

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made a mistake. He’s very hands on and a nice person”

Foster carers interviewed by inspectors and some who had responded to the questionnaire, similarly indicated that they found training provided by the service to be both relevant and vital to their continued development and in understanding the needs of young people placed with them. The inspector met with the services training officer who shared the foster carers training programme for the year. The programme was comprehensive and identified both ‘core’ and ‘specialized’ training. The programme had been revised since the previous year to account for identified training needs of foster carers and training requests by both supervising social workers and foster carers themselves. The service had also developed further NVQ training for foster carers and some nine foster carers were undergoing NVQ level 3 training at the time of the inspection.

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made a mistake. He’s very hands on and a nice person”

Identified weak areas with regard to training appeared to be with the out of borough placements, with foster carers being unable to travel to training sessions. There was evidence of the local authority liaising with the foster carers’ host borough to access training locally. Additionally, the inspector noted that one of the out of borough placements had received individual training sessions from the supervision social worker. Case recording in this instance was very clear and provided good insight the training subject, what was covered and any actions or further issues to be raised.

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made a mistake. He’s very hands on and a nice person”

Inspectors saw on most foster carer files details of completed training. Most foster carers interviewed made positive comments about training they had received.

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made a mistake. He’s very hands on and a nice person”

One foster care said of the sexual health training she had received,

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training was open and direct – we all took interest and discussed

things in a group. It wasn’t at all boring”.

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training was open and direct – we all took interest and discussed

Foster carers are required to complete evaluations of training attended in an effort to gauge effectiveness and as a quality assurance measure. The service is commended for its efforts to develop quality training for its foster carers

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training was open and direct – we all took interest and discussed

Records kept in relation to Looked After Children varied in its comprehensiveness. While some children’s files reviewed by inspectors contained well-documented information, others were poorly maintained. Inspectors acknowledged that while information about young people was essentially the responsibility of the allocated (children’s) social worker and not staff from the fostering service that perhaps there was a need for improved liaison between various children’s teams within the department that might enhance the efforts of the fostering team. London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 27 The head of children’s resources shared that anticipated developments in kinship care fostering was ongoing and that recruitment of a designated worker and panel to review such placements was not yet in place. It was shared with inspectors that in fact kinship type foster care placements were

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training was open and direct – we all took interest and discussed

very rear within the borough and that alternative systems were in place including monitoring by one of the team managers to address the needs of young people in kinship placements and their carers. Inspectors felt that this was an adequate measure while kinship placements remained very low, but would encourage the fostering service to continue to develop this area of its work.

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training was open and direct – we all took interest and discussed

The office premises remain cause for concern; the allocated space is limited and not conducive to a healthy work environment. This situation is compounded by an anticipated increase in the fostering team due to the continued success in recruitment of foster carers and the development of new projects as discussed elsewhere in this report. London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 28

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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 3 Standard No Score 14 3 STAYING SAFE 29 3 Standard No Score 3 3 MANAGEMENT 6 3 Standard No Score 8 2 1 3 9 2 2 3 15 2 4 2 30 1 5 3 16 3 ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING 17 4 Standard No Score 18 3 7 4 19 3 13 4 20 3 31 3 21 4 22 2 MAKING A POSITIVE 23 4 CONTRIBUTION 24 3 Standard No Score 25 3 10 4 26 1 11 3 27 3 28 3 32 2 London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 29 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.

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action 1 FS9 12(2)(d) The registered person must ensure that all instances of allegations against foster carers are recorded in the service’s allegations book and that investigation outcomes are explicitly documented both in the allegations book and on individual files. 01/05/06

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

2 FS9 27(2)(a) The registered person must ensure that CRB checks are completed for all foster carers support network where it is clear that these individuals are regular visitors to the foster home 01/06/06

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

3 FS15 20 The registered person must ensure that all fostering staff personnel records evidence all information as outlined in Schedule 1 of the Fostering Services Regulations (Previous

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met)

4 FS30 25(1) The registered person must ensure that each fostering panel meeting is quorate and that issues identified at the fostering panel are appropriately tracked 01/04/06 London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 30 and resolved. 5 FS4 29(2) The registered person must ensure that all foster carer reviews are conducted on an annual basis at minimum. 01/06/06

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met)

6 FS22 35 The registered person must ensure that consistent supervisory visits are held with foster carers and that such sessions are recorded with sufficient detail 01/06/06

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met)

7 FS22 18 The registered person must ensure that complaints are resolved during timescales specified in departmental policies 01/06/06

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met)

8 FS26 23 Senior managers of the local authority must promptly address the poor work environment of the premises of the fostering service (Previous timescale of

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01/09/05 not met)

9 FS32 17.1 The registered person must develop systems in relation to developing the provision of kinship type foster placements and address specific support and training needs of kinship foster carers (Previous timescale of

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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 FS4 It is recommended that the periodic auditing of case file be completed by the fostering service as a quality assurance measure to ensure that practice and documentation is consistently maintained and is of a high standard. London Borough of Hackney Fostering Team DS0000040284.V272035.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 31

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

East London Area Office Gredley House 1-11 Broadway Stratford London E15 4BQ

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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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